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[Swanie]

Hi,
Has anyone experienced a sudden and severe onset of severely dry skin on the face so horrendous, that is unbearable!!!! 
I basically can’t really relax, do anything but am solely focussed on trying to resolve this problem that started 6 days ago.

I  noticed recently looking in the mirror, my skin was looking drier than normal and doesn’t seem to move like
before. No matter how many times I moisturise with my current rosacea hypoallergenic moisturiser I have used for years, due to my rosacea it is making no impact and I don’t feel moisturised after it- no matter how many times I moisturise. I have been in a total panic and in despair.

I am 60, post menopausal and also have been battling constant lip peeling/ raw lips since January, severe dry mouth since Feb to name just a few- and I have suspect Sjogren Disease which I am convinced I have due to extreme dryness all over multiple body systems. I have been on vaginal oestrogen since last year.

I wonder if anyone has experienced this severe dry skin on their faces which is absolutely unbearable- can’t sleep, pacing up and down, frantically trying to find a moisturiser that will relieve symptoms. I think that I am getting a triple attack of post menopause decline in oestrogen, rosacea and Sjogren Disease dry skin all at the same time, but this is not normal dry skin but so bad and can’t do anything to relieve it.

I got an urgent appointment after having a shower and dry, flaking, peeling patches on my face-horrendous  to look at- but the dry feeling is the worst with a young gp who suggested liquid paraffin ointment but warned will likely trigger Rosacea and is flammable so keep away from fire when using. Haven’t tried yet as terrified about triggering a rosacea rash and being highly flammable!!!! Early in the year, I experienced this extreme dryness, though not as bad as now, and as my moisturiser didn’t help in desperation rubbed my Vaseline body lotion on my face for relief. Soon after I had a severe rash over m6 face which took 8 weeks of antibiotics to calm.

I have got a phone appointment this week with my own gp to ask if there is anything else I can try, ideally referral to a dermatologist due to the complexity of the source of my extreme dryness i.e. Menopause and Rosacea and likely Sjogren Disease all attacking at once- and ask about systematic HRT, which I have been trying to avoid as bit scared since many years ago when got an ultrasound scan was told that my womb lining was thicker than normal, but may be due to being near my period.

I have frantically been looking up moisturisers to use with delicate skin as my current one is making little impact, but get put off when some people give bad reviews. I telephoned my trusted skincare brand who have sent me up a Hydraluronic Mist spray to try alongside current moisturiser. They suggested instead of using the moisturiser multiple times a day, put on thickly morning and night and use mist throughout the day. However, even if I put the moisturiser on thick, it still doesn’t moisturise my skin.

Also, this year, I am experiencing noticeable red flushing on the face and heat on my face, especially if anxious, drink coffee or eat bolognaise sauce. I need to keep my central heating off, use a humidifier, drink lots of water, try to shield my skin outside from harsh winds and the cold. If I cover myself with duvet I set off redness in my face, so basically uncomfortable all the time.

If anyone has any advice o4 tips, please let me know.

[CLKD]

Awful !

Certainly push for a referral and if the GP refuses as for one to a dedicated menopause clinic.  As oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry, inside and out.  The ovaries may continue to pump out small amounts of oestrogen enough to cause symptoms.

What have U used for the dry lips and mouth symptoms, there are good lip salves to use regularly as well as sweets to ease it a little. 

Vaseline body lotion in the yellow bottle should not be used on the face.  Apparently.

MayB speak with a Pharmacist to C what he/she might suggest. 

Was anything suggested about the 'thickened' womb lining?  Perhaps keeping a mood/food/symptom diary will help .

[Swanie]

Thanks so much CLKD for posting and your suggestions.

1. I will push for dermatologist referral and if gp refuses will ask to get referred to menopause clinic. Did phone up a private hospital today for dermatology appointment, but informed me that the initial consultation for 20 mins !!!! was £250. If that was the cost of everything would just try to manage, but as only the cost of initial consultation - too expensive for me.

2. Dry/peeling/ raw lips- just use Vaseline but have tried Cicaplast lip balm as suggested by gp too. Got my referral next month for lip biopsy after dentist immediately referred me and after pushing go too as well after endless visits to the gp surgery after none of the meds e.g, hydrocorsitone, Fuscidic Acid cream improved things. Will be getting a lip biopsy in Jan.

3. The slightly thickened womb lining when I got ultrasound the gynaecologist said could be due to being before my period and was about 20 years ago. She said if I have any problems to get back in touch-but was a while ago and I have probably lost the letter.

4. I phoned up Sjogren Syndrome disease charity to ask about membership as they have a dedicated forum like Menopause Matters- to ask other members for what works for them. Keen to join , just thinking about it as you need to pay an annual fee.

5. Today I had a phone call CBT assessment as I pushed for a referral for therapy to help manage my anxiety that has gone through the roof with dealing with all my health problems/ symptoms this year.

6, For my dry mouth use Salivix pastilles and Salieve spray, but limited the impact- though better than nothing. I definitely notice the more stressed I get the dryness gets worsen. Only hope is to try to stay calm, do meditation, go for walks etc

So as my gp has already referred me this year 3 times- for an urgent endoscopy in April,  oral medicine next Jan and for CBT, just a bit hesitant to ask again. But when in desperate need - getting on the waiting list for Menopause clinic is a great idea and in Jan when I get my lip biopsy - that will let me know once in for all if I indeed have the dreaded Sjogren Disease which will help me navigate my next move - related to horrendous, dry and unbearable skin problem on the face. Due to the limited things I can eat I know that I am not getting all the nutrients I used to get- and did ask for iron etc  to be checked, but go said no. Maybe because I have had so many blood tests this year and my recent thyroid blood test came back as satisfactory.

As always your input and suggestions are so appreciated, Thanks.

[CLKD]

Your GP should be referring U to a dermatologist in the 1st instance, espeically with UK waiting lists being so long.   

Thyroid function is a mine field because I understand that the NHS won't do extra blood tests even when a patient continues to complain of symptoms, if the 'test' is 'within normal limits'.  Some patients have needed to pay for the T3 and T4 [I think] in order to get appropriate treatment that eases symptoms.

Anxiety can cause dryness.  After I come down from a panic attack I P.  A lot, every 10 mins for several hours 

[Swanie]

Good to know about the thyroid test.

I will look into how to get the T3 and T4 blood tests.  Yes, I agree about anxiety -I am sure anxiety has a part to play to in at least driving my symptoms/ making them worse. Making a massive effort to try to go for walks in the park, calm my mind, trying ways not to panic and do my utmost to find ways to manage these gruesome new symptoms that have bombarded my body this year.

Thanks CLKD for your thoughts and really helpful suggestions.

[bombsh3ll]

Whilst nobody can conclusively diagnose you over the internet (and it may not be a straight path to answers face to face either), the lack of both estrogen and androgens really won't be helping with the dryness of the skin and mouth.

Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself, you deserve to feel and function your best.

Could you possibly afford to see a private menopause specialist? At 60 this is probably your best option for obtaining systemic treatment including testosterone.

[Swanie]

Hi bombsh311,

That is a good suggestion. Definitely something I will look into finding out the cost of a private menopause specialist to see if affordable. 

Thanks for that.