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Does anyone else get a rash from hot water?

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Posted 6/23/2013 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone,

I just had a shower and something happened that occurs every time I have the water too hot. I got an itchy sensation all over my arms and legs. I also developed a red, blotchy rash on my knees and feet; if I had continued to let the water be too hot, it would have spread all over my legs. Based on previous experience, the "rash" will diminish over the next 2 days. But it's annoying! I have never heard of this before... when I've mentioned it to a couple friends in the past I just got blank looks. So I'm wondering if it's part of the FMS. Do any of you experience this or something similar to it?

Any ideas on why I get this would be greatly appreciated... 

P.S. This is what's been happening ever since I moved away from home to live somewhere else and use a different shower. It never happened at home. Maybe something to do with the water? Or the new people that I now share a shower with?

Posted 6/23/2013 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
This doesn't happen to me from heat, but from cold. Whenever my skin is exposed to cold (air, wind, snow, one time I tested it with an ice cube) I get hives. It took a long time, but finally figured out that it was "cold urticaria". Kind of like an allergy to cold. Fortunately I have moved to Florida from Iowa, so now it only bothers me when I go back to visit family in the winter. Also after the hives go away, it itches and peels like a sunburn.
Posted 6/23/2013 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
I don't get a rash from heat or cold, but it seems every time I go out in my garden, I get a (temporary) rash on my inner forearms, which lasts maybe 20 minutes. It doesn't seem due to any one plant or weed; it just happens no matter where I'm working. It's not poison ivy, though I do get that occasionally, and believe me, I know when it's poison ivy (scratch scratch!).

And for as long as I can recall, I've gotten an itchy rash whenever I've picked my green beans, so evidently I have an allergy to green bean plants!

I only mention this because the rash I get on my arms, just from being present in the garden, has only begun recently, and I suspect my body is much more sensitive that it used to be. Maybe the rashes from cold or heat are similar--our poor bodies are just too doggone sensitive!
Posted 6/23/2013 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Jasmine, are you used to rain water tank at home? Perth water is very hard and is heavily treated. The chlorine level is quite high, and who knows what else is in the water.

Could it be heat blister due to the water being too hot? I get rashes when it's too hot, eg in front of the heater. I'm also allergic to my own sweat. Sweat + sport tape = very itchy skin for me.

I think the itchy sensation is due to your capillaries coming up to the surface to cool your body down and there many some addition reaction happening that is causing the itch. Just a theory.
Posted 6/24/2013 9:07 AM (GMT 0)
I get a hot rash from hot water- usually lasts about 30-60 minutes after the shower, and is worse in winter when the difference between the cold air and the hot shower is at its greatest.

I have had this most of my adult life, even before my FMS diagnoses but it's just slightly worse now. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless it isn't going away!

x
Posted 6/24/2013 9:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi RedDiane and Luvzminis, thanks for replying - we are a sensitive bunch, aren't we? I guess just in different ways since every body is different.

Clarie, thanks for the theories.

Hi BecciClaire, the only reason I was wondering about it is because the heat at which the water really starts to relax my muscles properly is the same heat at which I get the rash! So I always have to choose between less pain or less itchiness. It is winter at the moment, so that could explain why I'm noticing it more right now. But mostly, thank you for validating my experiences! It's always nice to be able to think, "I'm not the only one.""
Posted 6/24/2013 9:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jasmine, I find the same thing... But I prefer the rash/itching to the pain. I have heard from somewhere (No idea where....) that putting talc on helps, but it doesn't really drive me crazy enough to bother trying....! I usually find if I don't cover up the parts where it is worst for awhile after my shower it settles down quicker than if I put clothing straight over it... But it could be different for you of course!
I DEFINITELY find winter is much, much worse for it- in summer (perhaps because I take cooler showers?!) I don't notice it in the slightest. Again, could be different for you though!
Posted 6/24/2013 9:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks. Yeah, I normally choose the itchiness too. Just means I'm always itchy (especially in winter, yes)!! Maybe I'll try the talcum powder...

I find that helps too. But I don't like being cold (brr).
Posted 6/24/2013 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
I'm very itchy after a shower if I don't put lotion on all over my body.

Today I noticed a quarter-sized, bright red area on my upper leg. Out of the blue. The weirdest thing about it? It doesn't hurt or itch at all! It's flat, and looks like someone just tore a layer of skin off.

It's always something.

Debbie
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