#189050 - 07/13/10 12:23 PM
skin breakdown frustration
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kwig5
Junior Member
Registered: 06/04/10
Posts: 6
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Hi. I've had a C4-5 spinal cord injury for 18 years. I have been suffering with recurring skin breakdown for 6 months. I purchased an alternating seat cushion from the Aqulia Corporation. Has anyone else tried this cushion or any other alternating cushion? Had it pressure mapped and it mapped out fine. But still this same area breaks down. I've seen the wound nurse and no one seems to know what to do. The wound nurse said the sore isn't in a place that should cause pressure. It's in the crease of my leg, like where underwear elastic touches. So, the skin can split easier. I stay in bed till it heals but it returns within several weeks of resuming minimal sitting. I don't know what to do next. I need to be able to get up again. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Kathy
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#189053 - 07/13/10 01:16 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: kwig5]
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flicka
Member
Registered: 04/06/00
Posts: 24616
Loc: SLO County, CA - 66.122.77.142
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I'm sure, at this point, you have ditched underwear, or any pants that might be bunching up in that area? Beyond that, I am more inclined to think it is a fungal infection that has taken up residence in the spot.
_________________________
"A lot of things were acceptable--until we stopped accepting it." -- Al Sharpton '12
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#189056 - 07/13/10 01:29 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: flicka]
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kwig5
Junior Member
Registered: 06/04/10
Posts: 6
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Clothing has been an issue. Seems like no matter what you wear they creep up either as the day goes on or spasms. We try to pull them out away from my skin after i'm adjusted in the wheelchair. The only thing I haven't tried is wearing dresses/skirts. I thought about a fungal infection. Though you'd think the nurse would have noticed something. Can fungal infections cause skin to split/crack?
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#189061 - 07/13/10 02:01 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: kwig5]
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YosemiteSam
Member
Registered: 05/20/00
Posts: 5386
Loc: No. Calif. (SF Bay Area)
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<snip> Can fungal infections cause skin to split/crack? <snip>
If you get the answer to that question, Kathy, please post it on this thread. I get the feeling, during range of motion exercises, that my skin is about to split open in my crotch area. I realize we have different architecture, but "parts is parts'.
_________________________
 Bob
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#189066 - 07/13/10 02:46 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: kwig5]
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flicka
Member
Registered: 04/06/00
Posts: 24616
Loc: SLO County, CA - 66.122.77.142
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Can fungal infections cause skin to split/crack?
Yes. I am surprised that the wound nurse hasn't been more aggressive in figuring it out BECAUSE is can become as hideous as a pressure sore if it continues. You could have your doctor take some scrapings to see exactly what it is, but maybe try some antifungal cream to see if it helps...it wouldn't hurt.
_________________________
"A lot of things were acceptable--until we stopped accepting it." -- Al Sharpton '12
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#189068 - 07/13/10 03:40 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: flicka]
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kwig5
Junior Member
Registered: 06/04/10
Posts: 6
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Can the antifungal cream be put on open skin? It's not deep but it's exposed. Didn't know if it would burn.
A fungal infection would hopefully be easier to manage then a pressure sore. Thanks for the input. I will share any answers the dr. gives me.
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#189069 - 07/13/10 04:00 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: kwig5]
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flicka
Member
Registered: 04/06/00
Posts: 24616
Loc: SLO County, CA - 66.122.77.142
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You shouldn't have a problem using it on open skin. Yes, please do share what the doctor has to say and how he treats it.
_________________________
"A lot of things were acceptable--until we stopped accepting it." -- Al Sharpton '12
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#189116 - 07/14/10 12:20 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: flicka]
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lazer
Member
Registered: 03/16/02
Posts: 7672
Loc: a world of my own...
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try getting a 3=-4 inch foam cushion, cut a hole in it where sore is
when u sit, should be no pressure
good luck
_________________________
====
Memo: Don't get p*ssed at my OPINION, cuz thats all it is, my OPINION.........
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#189142 - 07/14/10 02:07 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: lazer]
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Johnboy 64
Member
Registered: 11/16/01
Posts: 15944
Loc: a nice place
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i was ordered 23 years ago... NO UNDERWEAR. I'M ALSO C4-5 no problems 22 plus yrs
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#189356 - 07/16/10 01:09 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: Johnboy 64]
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kwig5
Junior Member
Registered: 06/04/10
Posts: 6
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Well, i'm extremely frustrated with the outcome of my appointment. It was difficult enough to get her to agree to look at the sore. I brought up the fungal issue and she prescribed nystanin but didn't take any cultures. She didn't even confirm or deny the exsistance of an infection. As far as the sore, just stay off it. I'm still left not knowing what's causing it.
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#189358 - 07/16/10 01:25 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: kwig5]
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Johnboy 64
Member
Registered: 11/16/01
Posts: 15944
Loc: a nice place
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sorry to hear that. have gained/lost weight? TRY SKIPPing THE UNDERWEAR. the less friction the better
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#189362 - 07/16/10 01:31 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: Johnboy 64]
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flicka
Member
Registered: 04/06/00
Posts: 24616
Loc: SLO County, CA - 66.122.77.142
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Did you buy the Aqulia cushion because of this irritation?
_________________________
"A lot of things were acceptable--until we stopped accepting it." -- Al Sharpton '12
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#189363 - 07/16/10 01:32 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: flicka]
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flicka
Member
Registered: 04/06/00
Posts: 24616
Loc: SLO County, CA - 66.122.77.142
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I agree with Johnboy, ditch the underwear and try wearing a lightweight skirt around home.
Edited by flicka (07/16/10 01:33 PM)
_________________________
"A lot of things were acceptable--until we stopped accepting it." -- Al Sharpton '12
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#189377 - 07/16/10 02:55 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: flicka]
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kwig5
Junior Member
Registered: 06/04/10
Posts: 6
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the underwear has been ditched. i have lost some weight over the course of the year. my new attendant isn't the best cook. i bought the aqulia cushion because i had an alternating cushion that broke. it was from pegusas airwave. i'd had it almost 10 years with no skin breakdown. unfortunately, pegusas went out of business. i saw aqulia advertised in new mobility.
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#189379 - 07/16/10 02:59 PM
Re: skin breakdown frustration
[Re: flicka]
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flicka
Member
Registered: 04/06/00
Posts: 24616
Loc: SLO County, CA - 66.122.77.142
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kwig - this website has images for different types of fungal infections. It's a bit gross, but you may see something that is similar to your problem. It discusses treatments also.
_________________________
"A lot of things were acceptable--until we stopped accepting it." -- Al Sharpton '12
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