skin irritation

Ok I hope this is not tmi, but I have some skin hanging down from my stomach and this morning I have been itching under neath where it hang and there are some red bumps. What can I do for this? Should I go to the Doctor?

Jeff

That is fairly common after surgery, and even before it.  It's some kind of yeast infection I believe.  Anyway, yes you should call your doctor, but not for the reason you think.  You need to start documenting these whenever they happen if you want to have plastic surgery later.   These are part of what the surgeon will need as proof that your reconstruction is medically necessary.  Most insurance companies will not just take your word for it, you'll need a record for a visit to the doc.  You'll want it mentioned in the notes that it's a result of hygiene problems associated from hanging skin. 

This is not a guarantee that insurance will cover it, but it will increase the chances.

Take care.
Ellen

baby powder with corn startch, helps keep the area dry..just a thought

Hi Jeff,

While Pollyann is correct about one of many ways to 'treat' the infection, Ellen is right that you really need to see your Dr because even if you don't know if you want reconstructive plastic surgery now, you may later. Many of us know how to 'self treat' the skin irritations and rashes, but it isn't in your best interest, so go see the Dr and make sure that they document the rash and that the cause of it is the hanging excess skin.

All the best,

Get it documented!!!!! :)
I also wanted to thank you for the card!!
Hope your itchiness gets better soon!
JAMI

I should have been more clear.  Yes, there are several different powders and creams that work on this.  So does dandruff shampoo, the kind without conditioner anyway.  I have found the best success with mine using anti-bacterial soap and Gold Bond Extra Strength powder.

My point was, as Barb said, that documentation of these are vital if you are to have any chance at all at having reconstruction covered.  My RNY surgeon says that the notes need to include something about hygiene issues related to excess skin. 

Take care and good luck
Ellen

Somebody mentioned baby powder - baby powder actucally holds the germs against your skin so its a no-no for rashes... get it checked it, it could be heat rash... I use to get them all the time... keep the area dry and air it out if possible.. make sure post-showers its very dry and there is no moisture left. As stated above if your insurance covers PS post-WLS take pictures and get to the Dr to document.

not plain baby powder..corn starch baby powder,helpskeep the area dry and helps it to heal..also gauze stips help too.I understand the documentation thing now...guess i better make sure to have it documented if I have this problem in the future as well. thanks for adding that in there Barbara I never realy thought about that part. I just know that the corn starch always help to keep it dry when i would have this issue.