Very dry flaky skin on neck and shoulders

sixtiesgal_2

Hi, I suffer with eczema and dry skin anyway but suddenly I have come out in very dry flaky skin on my neck and shoulders. My neck has more of a red itchy rash, my shoulders don't itch but they are very dry and flaky, the skin is tight and looks like I have sunburn though there is no sun at the moment. I've been to see the pharmacist in Boots and she has suggested doing what I do anyway, using E45 cream liberally. I told her that I use Original Source Tea Tree shower gel too and have been using that for past two years and its always been fine but she said it might be too strong for my skin and to use emoilient wash oil or cream instead. I always used to use emolient wash but I feel cleaner with the tea tree shower gel and I always thought tea tree was healing for the skin. The pharmacist says it could also be a skin infection. Any advice anyone?

ariba10

Yes. Make an appointment to see your doctor.

belfastgirl23

Have you changed your shampoo or conditioner lately?

olly300

sixtiesgal wrote: »

Hi, I suffer with eczema and dry skin anyway but suddenly I have come out in very dry flaky skin on my neck and shoulders. My neck has more of a red itchy rash, my shoulders don't itch but they are very dry and flaky, the skin is tight and looks like I have sunburn though there is no sun at the moment. I've been to see the pharmacist in Boots and she has suggested doing what I do anyway, using E45 cream liberally. I told her that I use Original Source Tea Tree shower gel too and have been using that for past two years and its always been fine but she said it might be too strong for my skin and to use emoilient wash oil or cream instead. I always used to use emolient wash but I feel cleaner with the tea tree shower gel

You feel cleaner because you are mistaking the tight feeling of your skin being stripped of oils as meaning you are clean.

It isn't cleaner than using an emollient wash.

I know because I've had to use them on and off during my life including after getting sweaty from sport.

sixtiesgal wrote: »

and I always thought tea tree was healing for the skin.

It may be but if you are allergic to it or have a reaction to it then it won't heal your skin.

A natural ingredient doesn't mean it won't have side effects for some people.

sixtiesgal wrote: »

The pharmacist says it could also be a skin infection. Any advice anyone?

As already stated go to the doctor and confirm you don't have an infection.

dktreesea

Try drinking more water. Excema can be a side effect of dehydration.

olly300

dktreesea wrote: »

Try drinking more water. Excema can be a side effect of dehydration.

There are always people on here who talk sh*t when someone has a medical condition.

sixtiesgal_2

Thanks for your replies. I haven't changed my shampoo and conditioner but have started using a hairspray from the hairdressers, I don't think thats the problem though as hairspray doesn't go on my shoulders, especially this time of year when they are more covered up.

Hughjass

First call would be the docs, I would also suggest that when you have washed out your conditioner you wash the problem areas with a shower gel (and aroudn your hairline and face) to make sure any residue from the conditioner is removed, it's very common to get skin problems from hair products sitting on the skin and causing irritation.

belfastgirl23

sixtiesgal wrote: »

Thanks for your replies. I haven't changed my shampoo and conditioner but have started using a hairspray from the hairdressers, I don't think thats the problem though as hairspray doesn't go on my shoulders, especially this time of year when they are more covered up.

Yes but you do wash it out. I tend to think that if you have changed something, stop doing it for a bit and see if the problem clears up.

skint_chick

Have you changed your laundry powder? Diet? Although it does sound like your hairspray might be the issue, especially as it's worse on your neck which has more contact with your hair. Residue from the hairspray could be getting on your shoulders while you sleep or from your clothes. Definitely speak to your GP/dermatologist. Do you use an SLS free shampoo? I started a few months ago and all my eczema has cleared up, and my hair's never looked better too :T Might be worth looking into if you have sensitivities, along with a gentler shower gel. Tea tree itself is healing but when you add all the other chemicals in the shower gel then not so much, and tea tree is usually used on oiler skin so it's not going to help drier skin

Miss_Havisham

Some random thoughts:

neck and shoulders - could it be something in or on your pillow ? Have you changed your washing powder or have they changed the formula/perfume ? Could the hairspray be transferring onto the pillow and then irritating you in the night especially if you get "hot under the collar" in bed ?

Manufacturers are often guilty of changing the formula of shampoos, shower gels, skincare etc and the only way you can tell is by reading the list of ingredients.

Are you under more stress at the mo ? Do you sit near a radiator or have the car heating hitting that part of your body ? Has your partner changed anything he/she uses such as soap, aftershave etc ?

Hope you can sort it quickly. A workmate suffered bouts of excema and it made her really miserable and uncomfortable at times so I feel for you,.

Miss H