Hi,

Has this mom been tested for epidermolysis bullosa?  It is an inherited skin
condition characterized by blister formation caused by mechanical trauma
(like pumping).  The blistering due to shoes is a big red flag for me.  My
grandfather, dad, uncle, sister, cousin, I and one of my kids all have this.
My daughter's dermatologist calls it EB.  I would refer her to a
dermatologist at a major medical-research center since there is new research
being done on possible treatments.  Here is an interesting article
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic124.htm

She also might want to consult a nutritionist who can recommend supplements
to reduce overall inflammation.

Good luck!

Marie Zahorick, LLLL, IBCLC
near Chicago, IL


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Date:    Fri, 12 May 2006 12:57:37 -0700
From:    "Sandey Stayanoff, RN, IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: hypersensitive everyt!hing

Hello wise ones......

  Help!  I am working with a lovely mom who has a chronic condition of very
hypersensitive SKIN. She remembers being this way since childhood.  She has
been to multiple dermatologists in her life, and the only diagnosis she has
been given is "dermatitis, unknown origin".  No Rx creams have been helpful.
She has no known allergies per say, just a total body
hypersensitivity.....to friction, among other things....
   And of course she had been using lanolin up until seeing me.  (does
anyone ever remember to ask about sensitiity to wool anymore??)  :>)

  AMong her many issues are:
   walking down a single flight of stairs in the wrong shoes or socks cause
immediate painful blisters on her heels. Wearing pantyhose causes her to
skin to blister or "break out" where the band is around her waist. She is
not able to enjoy any kind of nipple contact or arousal during intercourse
with her husband.  She has a constant reddish irritated area on either side
of her nostrils that looks as if she has been blowing her nose too much,
when she hasn't at all.  She has no asthma, nor any other systemic
allergies.
  As you can imagine, breastfeeding and/or pumping is excruciating. She has
literally endured the intense pain for 15 days because she is so determined
to nurse her baby.
  Her nipples appear very red, raw and inflamed. There is no obvious trauma,
so to speak, except some mild discoloration immediately after nursing which
resolves quickly. She nurses with a shield to help minimize the pain, but
the baby is not able to transfer milk throught the shield. (that's another
post for another day). Her sheer determination is amazing.
  However her supply is suffering due to the intense pain while pumping
which of course inhibits her MER plus the fact she HATES doing it! (because
it hurts so much!)
  Right now, I need suggestions on anything that she can do to just be able
to pump or nurse without it hurting. She is not looking for complete relief,
just something that will bring her pain level down to a dull roar.
  This is NOT Raynaud's. She describes the pain as if her nipples are being
pulled apart. (which, I guess, they are....) ouch.
  Heat gives her only the mildest relief as does Ibuprofen. I suggested she
try using Aquaphor on and around her nipples and inside the base of the pump
flange, but only after a 24 hour skin test to determine any reaction to the
Aquaphor....and I gave her the name of a dermatologist who specializes in
nipple soreness issues.

  If anyone has dealt with this before, or has any ideas of other remedies
she can try, please let me know. She is open to anything at this point, and
so am I!
  Oh, and manually expressing milk is very uncomfortable as well. Darn it.

  I thought of Vit B6, as well as trying Calcium and Mag
supplements......?????
  An indepth review of her diet gave me no additional clues as to how to
help her or what to suggest.

  TIA y'all!

  Sandey in Atlanta.....

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