Mom has a Dermatology Disorder that Nobody can Figure out. Please help!

[MrBig 5249]

My mother (59F) doesn’t drink or smoke or eat unhealthy and we are pro-vax, but following the administration of the 2nd Pfizer COVID Vaccination Mom started showing unusual symptoms. 

Mom became tired and forgetful after getting the vaccine and it was very obvious she was struggling to get back to normal because she would sleep in the middle of the day when normally she is always the most peppy person in the group waking up super early in the morning.

Mom’s arms and legs are now covered in red crusty itchy blotches running up and down the lengths of her extremities and also appearing on her back. Her hands are extremely dry and crusty and I’m worried if this could somehow be affecting Mom’s ability to retain memories because she is extremely forgetful about basic things from childhood or when we get together presently.

Does anyone have experience with treating a patient with something like this? Please DM ME if so. I just want my mom to get better, we have been to dozens of doctors and specialists and we still have no idea what is going on.

Her hands are super greasy from the Vaseline and creams she uses to keep the skin moist so it doesn’t dry out. Her feet look even way worse and she has the red blotches seen on the back of her hand all along the middle of her back.

The following pics are the only abnormal findings seen in her complete bloodwork panel. 

Above and below are the only abnormal medical findings they see in her blood work. 

 

The doctors have no idea what is going on and we have gone from specialist to specialist with no definitive answer and have gotten just a bunch of creams that don’t really help heal the cuts on her hands and feet, they just make it more comfortable to live with it. 

I don’t know what else to do when the dermatologist, urologist, and internal medicine specialist all say they aren’t sure what’s going on. Any advice would help if any of y’all know some doctors who have seen cases like this before.

I’m just extremely worried. My mom is 5’5” and has always weighed about 135 her whole life, and now she’s down to 115 looking like a twig and nobody can figure out what is going on. They did an abdominal CT scan and saw a tiny cyst on her kidney but they said it wasn’t big enough to explain the rapid continual weight loss nor the extremely crusty and painful dry skin on her hands and feet. 

Please help me with this. I feel terrible not knowing what exactly is making her sick and not being able to take care of my mother the way she used to care for me when I was a sick child. I truly feel like I am running out of time to find an answer to all of this. 
 

Thanks

 

[PRONG HORN 3103]

3 hours ago, MrBig said:

Her hands are super greasy from the Vaseline and creams she uses to keep the skin moist so it doesn’t dry out. Her feet look even way worse and she has the red blotches seen on the back of her hand all along the middle of her back.

The doctors have no idea what is going on and we have gone from specialist to specialist with no definitive answer and have gotten just a bunch of creams that don’t really help heal the cuts on her hands and feet, they just make it more comfortable to live with it. 

I don’t know what else to do when the dermatologist, urologist, and internal medicine specialist all say they aren’t sure what’s going on. Any advice would help if any of y’all know some doctors who have seen cases like this before.

 

 

Maybe take her to a doctor that is sympathetic to potential vax side effects.  Have you tried taking her to someone and not mentioning the vax?  That might be scaring them into not wanting to make a guess.  If it's vax related docs might not want any part of it.  

 

"all along the middle of her back" Are the marks on her back in the middle up and down the spine, or random in the middle of her back?  If they're up and down the spine symptoms could be nerve related?

 

Try to moisturize her skin from the inside out.  I use this.  It completely cleared the dry skin on my heels and balls of my feet.  Smooth now.  I get it at HEB.  Put liquid into a cup first and then add table spoons and stir.  Don't add liquid to powder already at the bottom of the cup it will mix poorly and gum up.  

  

 

[PRONG HORN 3103]

 

 

I should clarify that just because symptoms might manifest as nerve adjacent (along the spine), doesn't mean that the cause is neurologically related.    

 

 

[Bevo 13468]

Getting better, worse, same over time? How long has it been going on? Pain or other symptoms? Has she been prescribed any systemic treatments such as benadryl or cortisone?

[Nice Guy Eddie 13388]

If mental clarity is a problem, the most likely reason is a UTI. A doctor can order the test virtually.

Also important to remember that it could be several things going on at once and not just one condition with multiple symptoms.

[Bevo 13468]

And I wouldn't jump to conclusions because as the article points out - it could be coincidental:

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8024548/

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8280592/

 

Edited August 26 by Bevo

[Incredulity 11446]

1 hour ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

If mental clarity is a problem, the most likely reason is a UTI.

TIL UTI's are common causes of mental clarity issues in the elderly.  Never would have guess that.

[Incredulity 11446]

10 hours ago, MrBig said:

My mother (59F) doesn’t drink or smoke or eat unhealthy and we are pro-vax, but following the administration of the 2nd Pfizer COVID Vaccination Mom started showing unusual symptoms. 

Mom became tired and forgetful after getting the vaccine and it was very obvious she was struggling to get back to normal because she would sleep in the middle of the day when normally she is always the most peppy person in the group waking up super early in the morning.

Mom’s arms and legs are now covered in red crusty itchy blotches running up and down the lengths of her extremities and also appearing on her back. Her hands are extremely dry and crusty and I’m worried if this could somehow be affecting Mom’s ability to retain memories because she is extremely forgetful about basic things from childhood or when we get together presently.

Does anyone have experience with treating a patient with something like this? Please DM ME if so. I just want my mom to get better, we have been to dozens of doctors and specialists and we still have no idea what is going on.

Her hands are super greasy from the Vaseline and creams she uses to keep the skin moist so it doesn’t dry out. Her feet look even way worse and she has the red blotches seen on the back of her hand all along the middle of her back.

The following pics are the only abnormal findings seen in her complete bloodwork panel. 

Above and below are the only abnormal medical findings they see in her blood work. 

 

The doctors have no idea what is going on and we have gone from specialist to specialist with no definitive answer and have gotten just a bunch of creams that don’t really help heal the cuts on her hands and feet, they just make it more comfortable to live with it. 

I don’t know what else to do when the dermatologist, urologist, and internal medicine specialist all say they aren’t sure what’s going on. Any advice would help if any of y’all know some doctors who have seen cases like this before.

I’m just extremely worried. My mom is 5’5” and has always weighed about 135 her whole life, and now she’s down to 115 looking like a twig and nobody can figure out what is going on. They did an abdominal CT scan and saw a tiny cyst on her kidney but they said it wasn’t big enough to explain the rapid continual weight loss nor the extremely crusty and painful dry skin on her hands and feet. 

Please help me with this. I feel terrible not knowing what exactly is making her sick and not being able to take care of my mother the way she used to care for me when I was a sick child. I truly feel like I am running out of time to find an answer to all of this. 
 

Thanks

 

total shot in the dark.  My mother(70's) is recovering from Valley Fever, which is a fungal infection in the lungs.  Its symptoms include red rashes, fatigue, cough, mental fog.  She was misdiagnosed for a couple months, and only got diagnosed because a neighbor of hers dealt with it a few years ago and didn't get diagnosed correctly for over a year.

[Nice Guy Eddie 13388]

36 minutes ago, Incredulity said:

TIL UTI's are common causes of mental clarity issues in the elderly.  Never would have guess that.

Yeah. It's easy to think that Grandma's confusion is due to senility but if it's sudden onset dementia, an UTI is a likely culprit. To my untrained mind, its makes little sense.

[Gil Bang 25843]

13 hours ago, PRONG HORN said:

 

 

Maybe take her to a doctor that is sympathetic to potential vax side effects.  Have you tried taking her to someone and not mentioning the vax?  That might be scaring them into not wanting to make a guess.  If it's vax related docs might not want any part of it.  

 

"all along the middle of her back" Are the marks on her back in the middle up and down the spine, or random in the middle of her back?  If they're up and down the spine symptoms could be nerve related?

 

Try to moisturize her skin from the inside out.  I use this.  It completely cleared the dry skin on my heels and balls of my feet.  Smooth now.  I get it at HEB.  Put liquid into a cup first and then add table spoons and stir.  Don't add liquid to powder already at the bottom of the cup it will mix poorly and gum up.  

  

 

1) they also sell it at costco

2) I put it in the GF's cup and pour coffee over it every morning and it melts in just fine.  Maybe it wouldn't with cold stuff, but it's fine with coffee. 

 

 

BTW OP, I knew somebody that had Lyme disease, and they had some of the same symptoms.  Any tick bites?  

Edited August 27 by Gil Bang

[dmtx 159]

Consider trying an autoimmune protocol diet. It can be very difficult to follow though. This can help clear, rule out food and GI insensitivity. 

[Nice Guy Eddie 13388]

I wouldn't recommend starting off telling a doctor that you've diagnosed the cause to be the COVID vaccine. I'm sure you can find a healthcare professional who will readily agree and sell you plenty of over the counter remedies that insurance won't cover. People are happy to sell you $200 vitamin combos.

Find a dermatologist and give them the facts, including that any medication recently taken along with a COVID vaccine. Any reputable derm will be familiar with skin reactions to common vaccines. And if it is related to the vaccine, they will have methods to treat it.

 

[Gil Bang 25843]

OP, have you considered giving your mom a cigar and a beer and see if it helps?  

[KYHorn 16751]

When at a loss, I think ChatGPT can be helpful for making sure I'm covering all my bases. I copy/pasted your descriptions. 

Spoiler

Based on the information provided and the lab results:

Lab Findings:

1. Elevated Absolute Eosinophils (0.86 K/µL; normal 0.00-0.50 K/µL): This could suggest an allergic reaction, parasitic infection, autoimmune disease, or other conditions.

2. Elevated Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO AB 59 IU/mL; normal <=34 IU/mL): This is indicative of an autoimmune thyroid disorder, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease.

Potential Diagnoses:

1. Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimoto's Disease): The presence of elevated thyroid peroxidase antibodies suggests an autoimmune process affecting the thyroid. Symptoms like fatigue, memory issues, weight loss, and skin changes can be associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases, though Hashimoto's usually causes weight gain rather than loss. Sometimes, thyroiditis can cause swings between hyperthyroid and hypothyroid states.

2. Eosinophilic Dermatitis or Other Allergic Reactions: Elevated eosinophils combined with the red, itchy, crusty skin patches suggest a possible allergic or eosinophilic condition. This could be a reaction to medication, vaccines, or even an unknown allergen.

3. Paraneoplastic Syndrome: Although less common, unexplained weight loss, skin changes, and elevated eosinophils could potentially be part of a paraneoplastic syndrome. This occurs when a hidden malignancy (cancer) causes systemic symptoms. The cyst on the kidney, though considered insignificant, might need further evaluation to rule out any malignancy or related condition.

4. Autoimmune Skin Disorders (e.g., Eczema, Psoriasis, or Bullous Pemphigoid): The description of "red crusty itchy blotches" and extremely dry skin could indicate an autoimmune skin disorder. Eczema or psoriasis can sometimes flare up in response to stressors like vaccinations or other immune challenges.

Next Steps:

1. Complete Thyroid Panel: Including TSH, Free T3, and Free T4 to assess thyroid function.

2. Dermatological Evaluation: To determine the exact nature of the skin lesions. A biopsy may be needed to rule out autoimmune skin disorders.

3. Immunological and Rheumatological Work-Up: To check for other autoimmune conditions or systemic inflammatory diseases.

4. Further Imaging and Oncological Evaluation: To ensure there isn’t an underlying malignancy contributing to the symptoms.

5. Infectious Disease Consultation: Although less likely, to rule out parasitic infections or other rare causes of eosinophilia.

I also asked it to consider the symptoms described without including the lab results:

Spoiler

Considering your mother's symptoms without focusing on the lab results:

Potential Diagnoses:

1. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME): The extreme fatigue, forgetfulness, and changes in activity levels could indicate CFS/ME. This condition can sometimes be triggered by viral infections, vaccinations, or other immune challenges. The memory issues (often called "brain fog") and significant energy depletion are consistent with CFS/ME.

2. Dermatitis or Other Inflammatory Skin Conditions (e.g., Eczema, Psoriasis): The "red, crusty, itchy blotches" on the extremities and back, combined with extremely dry and painful skin, suggest a dermatological condition. Eczema or psoriasis can sometimes flare up following an immune challenge. These conditions can cause significant discomfort and secondary infections due to scratching.

3. Autoimmune Disease (e.g., Lupus, Scleroderma): Autoimmune conditions can present with a combination of systemic symptoms like fatigue, cognitive issues, unexplained weight loss, and skin changes. Lupus, for instance, can cause rashes and systemic symptoms, while scleroderma can lead to skin thickening, tightness, and dryness.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies or Malabsorption Syndromes: Unexplained weight loss, skin changes, fatigue, and cognitive decline could also be indicative of malabsorption syndromes or severe nutritional deficiencies (such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, or iron deficiencies). These conditions can be related to gastrointestinal disorders like Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or other conditions affecting nutrient absorption.

5. Paraneoplastic Syndromes: Given her rapid weight loss and skin changes, it's also important to consider paraneoplastic syndromes, which are rare disorders that can occur when a hidden cancer causes symptoms elsewhere in the body. The symptoms are not directly caused by the local presence of cancer but rather by immune responses against the tumor or its secretions. Given the cyst found in her kidney, even if it was deemed insignificant, it might be worth a more thorough evaluation for any underlying malignancy.

6. Post-Viral or Post-Vaccination Syndrome: While rare, some individuals experience prolonged symptoms following a viral infection or vaccination. These could range from persistent fatigue and cognitive changes to new skin conditions. The onset of symptoms following the COVID-19 vaccination could suggest a post-viral-like syndrome or an atypical immune response.

7. Neurodegenerative Conditions (e.g., Early-Onset Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease): The significant memory loss and cognitive changes raise concerns about possible neurodegenerative processes. Although less likely in a 59-year-old without a strong family history, the severity of forgetfulness warrants consideration, especially if symptoms progress.

Next Steps:

1. Consult a Neurologist: For a thorough cognitive assessment and potential imaging to rule out neurodegenerative conditions or other neurological issues.

2. Dermatology Consultation: A skin biopsy or further dermatological assessment could help diagnose specific skin conditions.

3. Rheumatology Evaluation: To explore autoimmune possibilities and systemic inflammatory conditions.

4. Oncology Referral: To investigate any potential hidden malignancies that might be causing systemic symptoms.

5. Nutritional Assessment: Checking for deficiencies or signs of malabsorption.

6. Supportive Care: Addressing symptoms like skin dryness, using emollients, and managing fatigue through graded exercise therapy or other modalities.

It is essential to work with her healthcare team to follow these pathways and get to the root of her symptoms.

 

[troph 24500]

Consider / research a stellate ganglion block.
 

I did not research its connection to the specific blood work or the conditions described but holy fuck it’s a miracle procedure for pain, ptsd, now lingering post Covid symptoms (raises her hand), and the research is on for its effectiveness for other auto immune disorders. 
 

it’s basically a shot of mild anesthesia into a nerve cluster in your neck and in theory it resets your autonomic nervous system (which controls your immune system, organ function, etc). 

Edited September 21 by troph