[Lexicon78]

I really never thought I would have a problem with being overweight...at least not other than emotionally. Well, while I was showering my skin split where one of the folds of fat were...you know, right below the stomach. I thought maybe I had scrubbed where a pimple or other type of sore was forming. It hurt like hell!

After I got out of the shower I dried off (still hurt like hell) and everything. Then I looked where it hurt...trying to figure out why it was stinging so bad when I wasn't even touching it.

When I looked I saw there was a little bit of blood and could tell the skin had just split open. All I did was scrubbed my skin as usual. It was more like I wiped it...not actually scrubbed it.

Has anyone who's overweight ever come across this type of thing???

BTW, I'm about 5'2" and weigh 235 lbs.

[EJ711]

Lexi -

I haven't had the experience you describe as yet. I am struggling with being overweight also. I never thought I would have this problem either.

Hugs,

EJ

[January]

Lexi,

You need to watch that very, very carefully. You cannot afford to get infection! Skin stretches, it shouldn't break. Please go to the Dr if you need to.

Hugs,

Jan

[Lexicon78]

Thanks guys.

[ErinBear]

Hi Lexi,

Yes, I used to have trouble with my skin getting irritated sometimes, especially in hot weather. I used to be quite overweight. If your skin is cracked and bleeding, it is a good idea to pay attention to it and take precautions to prevent infection, as the others have said. It's hard when it's in a fold area. If you can try to keep the area open and dry when possible, that's probably wise, especially while it is healing.

I also agree with the others that it is probably wise to get it checked out with a physician. If your skin is fragile in these areas, it may need some attention.

A few years ago, I lost 100 pounds and am now at a healthy weight level for my height. I have to work to maintain my weight by eating healthy foods and doing some gentle regular exercise (walking), but this resolved these kinds of skin issues for me, and it also resolved a number of other health issues I was having. It's hard work to lose weight, but I'm thankful I did it. It was worth it for me.

Anyway, hope you'll feel better soon - thinking of you.

Take care,
ErinBear

[darkeyes]

Do you take any prednisone or cortisone type meds?
Meds like that causes thinning of the skin, which results in skin tearing at times.
Check this skin splitting thing out with a doc., to find out what the cause is, and what can be done for it.
Please take care now,
DE

[Maven]

I haven't had my skin break, but I get chafed easily in some area, including folds. I asked a nurse practitioner (because the medical office I went to then often had patients seeing nps instead of doctors) about the problem. At that time, I also had a problem where the chafed area would sometimes smell really bad, apparently because of a fungus. She gave me some cream to clear up the fungus, and told me to use unscented Ban antiperspirant solid after drying off well after showers. I haven't had any major problems since! I actually use unscented Secret solid right now, because I couldn't get Ban once, and tried Secret instead, and that seems even better. Just make sure you dry the area (don't rub so hard you chafe) after showering, then put the antiperspirant on.

[Lexicon78]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful advice!

[jbug]

Maven that sounds like a yeast infection to me what you had. I get rashes in between my folds quite often and am hoping that because of that when I get to my goal weight my insurance will pay for a tummy tuck.

Jbug

[Maven]

It does? I thought you only got yeast infections in the vagina? I guess it could have been. With my sugary diet, it wouldn't be unreasonable for that to happen. The unscented antiperspirant helps keep rashes at bay, but I know I will be much better in overall health when I get my diet back on track. I have had periods of control and I know from that, that reducing sugar intake has a definite improvement effect.

[nothemama8]

yep, ya can get yeast infection anywhere if it gets moist and sweaty, watch the breast area also

[Maven]

Yeah, that's another place I was getting the "rash." But I haven't had any problems since using the cream the nurse gave me and the unscented antiperspirant. Thanks for the info.