Very strange skin condition - Skin Problems Message Board

steelhorse · 01-08-2007, 04:56 AM

I am a 50-year old woman - been in menopause for the past year. I am very thin and over the past 6 months have a developed a terrible skin problem which I can only describe as loose skin all over. The worst places are my abdomen and back but also buttocks, thighs, calves. It is so bad and so uncomfortable that I can't sit for more than a few minutes as all the skin falls down to my lower abdomen and gets compressed. itches etc. The rest of my body also feels awful - as if my skin is falling down. The same feeling you get when you need to pull full stockings up because they are falling down - only this is my skin and I can't do it. Have been to many doctors and no-one can come up with a diagnosis or treatment. I am so desperately uncomfortable and am suffering so much that I feel suicidal. I find work impossible, can't go on car journeys anymore and NEVER feel comfortable. The depressing thing is there is no treatment and who knows how bad it will become. Has anyone heard of this? Anyone else suffering from this? It would help to talk to someone who knows what I am going through.

Monkeyboots · 01-16-2007, 03:08 AM

Hi Steelhorse,

sorry I can't be of help but wanted to wish you all the best in finding answers to your prob.

I don't want to sound naieve but did you lose weight suddenly and dramatically? This sometimes accounts for lose skin. I don't know in that case whether it eventually sorts itself out, with exercise etc and firming products.

I know some moisturisers etc have collagen and elastin in which I think helps keep the skin elastic. Not sure about the itching, have you got a rash ? If the itchiness is nasty I would take antihistamines, I do for my skin condition.

It might be hormone related even, in which case the doctor might be able to give you something..

best wishes
M.B.x

Sue Z · 02-08-2007, 11:24 AM

It sounds like a mild case of Cutis Laxa to me, but you would need to see a rheumatologist for diagnosis as this is a very rare connective tissue disorder that can come on in late life if the person is not born with it.

artistagogo · 02-08-2007, 11:29 AM

Age 60 my skin has changed but not like yours
It seems thinner loose as if I'd aged to 79's.

Sorry I can't help I plan to discuss with Dr on next visit