Sticky Skin Issues - No Diagnosis So Far

[TheLadySkye]

For the past six months, I've been having an issue with sticky skin.  I first noticed that my hands were sticky when wet or damp, but were fine once dry.  It didn't matter if I was washing my hands, showering, swimming, etc.  

This issues has progressed to where my hands, inner thighs, pelvis area, inside of elbows, underarms, and undersides of breasts are always sticky.  The skin adheres to itself even after being thoroughly dry post-shower.  It's almost like sitting on a vinyl chair in the summer with shorts on - not pleasant!

I do not have oily skin.  If anything, my skin is on the dry side.  I've tried different soaps and hypoallergenic washes to no avail.  I do not have eczema or any other diagnoses dermatological condition.  My dermatologist has never heard of anything like this (perhaps I need to find a new one?) and seems at a loss as to what could be causing this.  Does anyone have any idea, experienced similar symptoms, or know where to go for help if my dermatologist does not have an answer?

Thank you for any assistance!

[RusticKnight]

I left out that it's probably the Salicylic Acid in the wash that does the trick.

[RusticKnight]

My sticky skin syndrome covered my entire body. I finally went to a dermatologist who recommended using Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash. This worked like magic. Sorry about the double post, didn't get the "to" in there the first time.

[RusticKnight]

My sticky skin syndrome covered my entire body. I finally went to a dermatologist who recommended using Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash. This worked like magic.

[stickycharl]

Hi I have had sticky skin since 2010. It is all over, my hair eyes.  Ive been told by my Dermatologist that its menapause. But then I came accross a young girl who also developed sticky skin after acne treatment of Isotrtinoin.  When I was younger I also had acne treatment, Roaccutane which contains Isotretinoin, now there could be some comparison link.  Isotretinoin is also used to treat cancer.  There is also a person complaining about sticky skin after receiving cancer treatment.  Isotretinoin is a retinoid related to vitamin A.  I am investigationg all roots, to try find something in common with all these people experiencing sticky skin.  There has to date 5 years current down the line and no MD or Dermatologist who can give me a proper diagnosis with proper treatment to assist or cure this. So I just do a lot of research hoping to find some simularity in all this. Maybe you can investigate to find a root in your circumstance.

[TheLadySkye]

Dr. Kaur,

I have been to a dermatologist and they have never heard of such of a thing.  I am trying to see another, but so far everyone is booked well into next year.  What IS Sticky Skin Syndrome and what can be done about it?  I'm not on any medication, so I can't imagine what would be causing it.  This is scary and frustrating on so many levels :(

[mahniah]

I have that too, and it is acquired cutaneous adherence.  It seems that it's very rare if you look it up you'll find it mentioned on a few other sites.  What you write about the start is exactly how it was for me.  I've had if for about two months and it hasn't changed at all, not better or worse.  

Here's a site with a little conversation about it.

http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/showthread.php?p=199071

And here's another.

http://www.empowher.com/community/ask/any-help-skin-gets-sticky-when-it-gets-wet

Seems a lot of us have it but no one knows what to do about it.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be sticky skin syndrome or acquired cutaneous adherence syndrome. One of the drugs i.e. ketoconazole has this as it side effect but it seems unrelated in your case. My advice would be to discuss it with your dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care.

[Pallvi]

Respected Dr
I want to know about your contact number.dermatologist are not recognising this sticky skin syndtrome disease.please provide me your contact details so that I can discuss with you my disease