Winter Months Survival Hints

[NYgirl]

It's now my second winter on treatment.  I can't believe it! Week 65 done! :)

As I was getting in the bubblebath last night I thought of how many new women there are on the board...and realized some of you might be like me and love nothing more than a steaming hot scalding bubblebath in the cold winters months.

Just feels soooo relaxing!

Anyway - I thought about some of the winter hints that we've developed over time that you might not know about yet and thought it would be a good thread.

#1.  Put a little tiny bit (1/8th of a teaspoon) of BABY OIL into the bath.  Not too much or you'll end up greasy but if you just use a very little amount - it helps DRASTICALLY with dry skin. It holds the moisture into your skin and feels really great too!

Before I heard this hint

[orphanedhawk]

thanks for the hint. It looks like the rest of your thread got cut. What about people like me, with only a shower? What I wouldn't do for a hot tub!
    Unrelated but I hope this isn't too stupid of a question but since you are doing tx for 72 weeks does that mean 72 weeks of riba also? I am already loathing that stuff.

[OceanLiver]

Yes baths are a great therapy if you can handle it.  i havbe a friend on treatment that can't take the heat,  some sort of hives.   I add a cup of oatmeal powder to the bath and add sented coconut oil cause the smell is like baby cereal otherwise.  I have also been adding Kombu or Lamanaria seaweed.  My skin has never felt as soft.  I buy organic quick cooking oats and grind them up in the blender. Cheap and easy.  Also I have been reading a lot of great things about coconut oil anti fungal, anti viral - great oil to cook with.

[MissMiss]

Another idea with baths/showers is to pat the skin dry, not rub.  Put a big soft fluffy towel over your skin and pat the towel.  In fact, go buy a couple scrumptious towels just for you!

Also, a satin pillow case will help with hair falling out.  Less pull on the scalp.  Anything nice and smooth will work, they are easy to make too!

miss

[NYgirl]

My boss was here and I didn't realize I didn't fully finish the sentece LOL - what a dolt.

Make sure after your shower you ALWAYS moisturize - this stuff dries us out from the inside out and once you DO get dry skin...it just doesn't seem to go away. And it itches 1000x worse than any regular itch I seem to ever have had.  It gets so dry it CRACKS.

Ugh.

I had read about the babyoil and it really really helped me so much (that and the Gold Bond Triple Threat Anti Itch Medicated Lotion that I ALWAYS put on after a shower now) anyway.


Also - something I have to do this year...because our nasal passages and throats and mouths get so DAYUM dried up all the time --- I'm going to go get an inexpensive Humidifier for this winter.  Living in a climate that is usually SO cold and dry anyway...that has to help.

I just HATE waking up all night long with my tongue glued to my mouth worse than any hangover I've ever had!  One night I DREAMED about eating ice pops...that is a desperate person!

Hawk - you're gonna make it just fine. If I could do 72 of Peg and Riba you can.  I'm a BABY, believe mme.  And you are on the right road cause you are learning SO MUCH SO FAST.  That is the key - if we know what to be prepared for...we are.

:)

[jmjm530]

If you're having any sort of skin problems, be very careful of how and what you soak with. Anything with perfumes, etc, like bubble bath should be avoided. Same with baby oil which often has a perfumed ingredient.

You could, however, experiment with non-perfumed baby oil/mineral oil or OTC Alpha Keri Bath Oil -- which I just smelled and may be slightly perfumed but is very mild. The problem, however, with some of the oils is that they can clog pores and therefore may be counter indicated if you have any fungal problems like seb dermatitis.

One therapeutic soak is OTC Balentar Bath Oil which you would probably have to special order. It was suggested to me as a soak for psoriasis. All said, ironically soaking for any length of time can be dehydrating, so try and limit your exposure time in the tub. Also, as good as it feels, try and avoid water that is too hot (or too cold) -- lukewarm water is best and as stated, always gently pat dry gently, never rub.

I had multiple skin problems on tx and my 'bathing' regimen was mostly brief luke-warm showers using a non-soap cleanser like Cetaphil followed by a non-perfumed moisturizer like Cetaphil Cream. Occasionally I would soak in Balnetar Bath Oil. What works for some may not work for others so take note how your skin feels after a soak and/or any new moisturizers, etc.

Other winter tips include using vaseline in your nostrils for winter cold/dryness and the judicious use of scarfs (and even face masks) if the cold penetrates into your throat and lungs like it did with me. The cold weather would also sting my face significantly due to derm issues so I ended up pretty much bundled up before going outside in the cold. Glad to say that this winter it's almost an entirely different story.

A good home humidifyer can help but as my ENT said, unless you clean it on a regular basis, it can do more harm than good by releasing bacteria, etc, into the air.

Lastly, clothing can irritate dry skin, especially synthetics and woolens. Soft cotton or silk is best next to the skin. Yesterday was the first day I put on a pair of synthetic hiking socks since the middle of treatment. Before then, non-cotton socks would irritate my feet.

-- Jim

[Forseegood]

NYGirl, just wanted to say, your fiesty spirit has been an inspiration to me and I'm sure many others on this board...if anyone deserves and SVR it's you, I just can't believe that you've gotten yourself to work, etc...with all that youve been through, congrats to you, cause it seems your journey is almost over, thank God...

buuuuuttt>>> and like Pee Wee says, there is always a big butt...I thought you weren't supposed to take baths on TX? (and I don't mean Texas) I thought it was recommended that we only take tepid showers? If the answer already lies within this thread, I'm sorry, don't have time to read much this morning..anyway, just wanted to know some takes anyway...

Also, and this isn't meant for any member here at all, ha ha!, just went to my nutritionists office last week...I told her I had some skin bumps on my left leg again, 3 of them, of course she told me to shut up about them, complaining about 3 bumps, that I better get used to bumps and rashes...anyway, she did say that I shouldn't imbibe any alcohol this holiday season, for hep c reasons obviously, but that alcohol will aggravate any skin conditions one might have, because it acts as a drying agent in the system and skin, and "dry" isn't good for skin conditions...just thought I'd throw that out there, nutritionists usually focus more on food, beverages, etc...and their consequences, even a bit more then docs do...Is this chatting? I never know...brrr, it's 50 degrees out here in LA, brrrr! I know, I should shut up again...

[rosygirl]

I also would like to thank you for your motivation and support.  I just did week 41 so I'll be finished the same time as you.  There are times when I feel like I just can't do it anymore and I read your posts and it motivates me to go on.  The support of this group is great.  You are an inspiration to us all.  Thanks for the survival hints!

[Forseegood]

ha ha, don't want to get on Jim's bad side, cause I think he contributes a whole lot more to this forum then I do, he's got a lot of patience for the most part...but I do take issue with petroleum products of any kind...petro-chemicals, ugh! there are products made of aloe, vit e, etc...that I think work better as lubricants (in the nose or elsewhere, that oughta get Goof out of hiding) and I know I'm just splitting hairs, but just thought I'd throw that out there...I have also heard that about humidifiers, that they need to be cleaned scrupulously if youre going to use them, big bacteria barns if not...

[jmjm530]

Forse:ha ha, don't want to get on Jim's bad side, cause I think he contributes a whole lot more to this forum then I do, he's got a lot of patience for the most part...but I do take issue with petroleum products of any kind...
============================
Don't think we really disagree here...in fact, "Vaseline", probably the most popular, IMO has to be used carefully because it can clog the pores, and can therefore be problamatic with fungal growth, etc, -- however, used judiciously it can seal off the elements such as in the nasal cavity and a touch on outside of nostril, or lips. The other products mentioned, I do not believe contain petroleum and therefore "breathe" much better. As to getting on my bad side, not to worry, cause you already are as of yesterday!  Just kidding of course, kinda, sorta :) As to Aloe, I did try it btw, but for me, the Cetaphil moisturizes mentioned worked much better.

Mike,

Always thought you were a moderate kinda guy :) Hope this holiday season finds you feeling well. Any change on your meds or still on low doses?

All the best,

-- Jim

[DoubleDose]

As a pretty masculine guy  (I hope), I have to admit to a total addiction to long, hot soaks, especially when on tx.  They got me through the whole thing.  I found Vaseline Intensive Care Bath Beads to be great for adding minerals, moisturizing, and good color and smell to the water.  Sometimes I would add a little massage oil (non-petroleum) if I wanted more moisture locked in.  Also, my daily regime called for light non-scented skin cream, and a second coat of the heavier, more therapeutic Eucerin Sensitive Skin / non-fragrent, with Alpha Hydroxy to keep my skin feeling healthy, moist, and pliable.  The Eucerin seemed to be the best for serious, non-oil based moisturizing. Never had any allergic, or rashy reactions to it. I still use it daily, just less of it.

DoubleDose

[Forseegood]

you know, been complimented on my skin more then once, not bragging here, just trying to prove a point, although a measily one, the cream I use for all over skin is Alba Very Emollient body lotion...it's not medicated per se, but it does have some herbs in it that are known to kill bacteria...most everyone I've told to use it sing it's praises...it's quasi-expensive, but you can get it on the internet for about 40 bucks, and it's a gallon, a years supply at least...I guess for more complicated skin issues, best bet is see a dermatologist, Jim has listed many I think (creams)

the kid (the kid I take care of now, I call her the kid) used to have the hands of a farm hand, now they are dewey soft...she can't get over how it's changed her skin, really, really good stuff...worth a try if youre having very dry skin issues...

I also really like Butterfly Natural Skin Creams (for face) if you look on their website, they'll list the ingredients of their stuff, and then the more commercial products, kinda scarey...

just my take, other people I'm sure have theirs...

[Forseegood]

you should write copy, youre pretty good (having done that type of thing myself)...sorry, guess that's chat..

[jmjm530]

Yes, my suggestions are for tx sensitive skin or anyone who may have skin conditions, even off treatment. Before treatment, I could have bathed in gasoline and it wouldn't have irritated me. Things changed dramatically during tx and most OTC products had to be thrown away by trial and per dermatologists experience and recommendations. I think this distinction is important for those on treatment or those with skin problems. Folks without skin problems can tolerate a greater variety of skin products. The "best" skin moisturizer is the one that works for you.

-- Jim

[Forseegood]

guess I didn't mention that the stuff I use is natural, no chemicals too...

[Pdilly]

Gosh week 65...they are clicking right on by.  Before you know it girl you will be DONE!!!    Yee HAA

[Pdilly]

I bought a cheap vaporizer (the hot kind) about 4 weeks ago.  Boy does it help.  I also have a spray bottle  of baby oil that I spritz on in the shower.   I work in clay alot,  now my hands are cracking.  I have to double the moisture so they will heal.  Thank goodness everything is made for Christmas so I can keep  my hands out of the stuff for awhile.

[wyntre9]

here's my two cents. (yes, i'm new at this but i have several decades of nasal, sinus, dermatalogical experience - lucky me.)
for anyone with sinus problems, there's a product called sinucleanse which is a nasal irrigator saline solution applied through a 'neti pot.'  You can buy the kit, pot and 40 premixed packets for under ten bucks.  or you can buy the packets separately and use a syrings.  It's a similar concept to using any saline solution like ocean spray but it's much more effective as you're actually washing out the nasal passages, the sinuses, and the throat.  It's very soothing for anyone with nasal dryness, post sinus nasal drip, dry mouth, allergies, or people living in dry cold winter climates.
I use it 2 to 3 times per day.
thanks for all the skin tips.  i'm sure they'll come in handy once i start shots.
wyntre

[wyntre9]

here's my two cents. (yes, i'm new at this but i have several decades of nasal, sinus, dermatalogical experience - lucky me.)
for anyone with sinus problems, there's a product called sinucleanse which is a nasal irrigator saline solution applied through a 'neti pot.'  You can buy the kit, pot and 40 premixed packets for under ten bucks.  or you can buy the packets separately and use a syrings.  It's a similar concept to using any saline solution like ocean spray but it's much more effective as you're actually washing out the nasal passages, the sinuses, and the throat.  It's very soothing for anyone with nasal dryness, post sinus nasal drip, dry mouth, allergies, or people living in dry cold winter climates.
I use it 2 to 3 times per day.
thanks for all the skin tips.  i'm sure they'll come in handy once i start shots.
wyntre

[wyntre9]

here's my two cents. (yes, i'm new at this but i have several decades of nasal, sinus, dermatalogical experience - lucky me.)
for anyone with sinus problems, there's a product called sinucleanse which is a nasal irrigator saline solution applied through a 'neti pot.'  You can buy the kit, pot and 40 premixed packets for under ten bucks.  or you can buy the packets separately and use a syrings.  It's a similar concept to using any saline solution like ocean spray but it's much more effective as you're actually washing out the nasal passages, the sinuses, and the throat.  It's very soothing for anyone with nasal dryness, post sinus nasal drip, dry mouth, allergies, or people living in dry cold winter climates.
I use it 2 to 3 times per day.
thanks for all the skin tips.  i'm sure they'll come in handy once i start shots.
wyntre

[wyntre9]

here's my two cents. (yes, i'm new at this but i have several decades of nasal, sinus, dermatalogical experience - lucky me.)
for anyone with sinus problems, there's a product called sinucleanse which is a nasal irrigator saline solution applied through a 'neti pot.'  You can buy the kit, pot and 40 premixed packets for under ten bucks.  or you can buy the packets separately and use a syrings.  It's a similar concept to using any saline solution like ocean spray but it's much more effective as you're actually washing out the nasal passages, the sinuses, and the throat.  It's very soothing for anyone with nasal dryness, post sinus nasal drip, dry mouth, allergies, or people living in dry cold winter climates.
I use it 2 to 3 times per day.
thanks for all the skin tips.  i'm sure they'll come in handy once i start shots.
wyntre

[DoubleDose]

Thanks for the suggestions above

Thanks for the suggestions above

Thanks for the suggestions above

Thanks for the suggestions above


DoubleDose


DoubleDose

DoubleDose


DoubleDose

[DoubleDose]

Thanks for the suggestions above

Thanks for the suggestions above

Thanks for the suggestions above

Thanks for the suggestions above


DoubleDose


DoubleDose

DoubleDose


DoubleDose

[wyntre9]

yeah, i know - just don't know how i did it.  hopefully it won't happen again.

wyntre

[Forseegood]

hey, intead of two cents, it was a quarter, ha ha! yeah, I just wanted to say, I've used those neti pots too, they are wonderful..I used to have allergies, etc..before I stopped eating dairy...

[Forseegood]

hey, intead of two cents, it was a quarter, ha ha! yeah, I just wanted to say, I've used those neti pots too, they are wonderful..I used to have allergies, etc..before I stopped eating dairy...

[Kalio1]

Not to worry, apparently the site is having some technical problems causing double posts. Thanks for the info on sinucleanse.


DD, that was funny.

[ladybug52]

So are you saying you never bathe? What do you do about body odor?