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Mysterious Skin - Plant Reaction?

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Mysterious Skin Plant Reaction?


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Message posted by vivwells on 12 September 2006 at 1:33pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer Corfu Photos
vivwells
Corfu
Just come back from 2 glorious weeks in Ag Stef NW (sigh).  Developed a mysterious skin condition around both ankles and extending up calves while I was there.  Started as bright red and has gradually turned purplish - very alarming to look at - though it doesn't hurt it's heat-sensitive.  Went to the GP in England yesterday who's a bit mystified but thinks likely culprit is some plant contact in Corfu as rash looks like toxic reaction to something. Anyone any ideas as to what it might be?  Didn't do too much countryside walking except in Arilas and I was stupid enough to wear cropped trousers and sandals in all terrrains (!) Ankles swelled also, though that may be down to heat as they're a bit less so today.  Going back to GP tomorrow if no better on her advice.  ANY IDEAS? ANYONE? GP is most interested - I just wish it would go away!  Had to keep my legs covered for the last few days of hols for fear of frightening children and those of a nervous disposition with the awful sight!  But, oh, how I wish we were still there.......

Message posted by Trace (Profile Location Assistant) on 12 September 2006 at 1:43pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer Corfu Photos
Trace
Corfu

Oh dear, you poor thing, that's sounds a bit scary.

Can't think of what it would be, but the way it sounds a bit like a fungal infection, the way it's acting.


Message posted by maudy on 12 September 2006 at 4:49pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer Corfu Photos
maudy
Corfu

 Lichen Planus is a red/purple rash of unknown cause that is more common in women than men and ankles is one of the common sites it can appear, it usually itches especially at night , does yours itch at all?  If you look it up on the internet you can see if it is similar at all.

A rash similar to lichen planus can be caused by a reaction to certain medication too.

good look hope it clears up soon.


Message posted by vivwells on 12 September 2006 at 5:18pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer Corfu Photos
vivwells
Corfu
Thanks. It doesn't itch at all and doesn't look like lichen planus.  As I say, my doc is fairly convinced that it's a toxic reaction to soemthing - probably a plant.  Trouble is, I'm not much of a naturalist and don't really know what wild plants I might have come into contact with in the Corfu countryside that would have caused it!

Message posted by John and Hilary on 12 September 2006 at 5:47pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer Corfu Photos
John and Hilary
Corfu

Hi Viv ,

Look up giant hogweed on the internet . It can cause a rash that you describe and is activated by strong sunlight .

I have the rash on my left hand because of it  , and nearly every time I expose myself [ sorry ] to the sun it breaks out .

Regards.....John


Message posted by vivwells on 12 September 2006 at 6:07pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer Corfu Photos
vivwells
Corfu

Thanks John, I'll do that.  I'm assuming then this hogweed stuff grows on Corfu?  If it was actually giant size then I'm sure I'd have noticed it (my husband certainly would) but I suppose even giants have to start small!  Is your rash made worse by sunlight?  I think mine was as it got much worse after a day walking round Corfu town.  Have emailed the owners of some land that I know I went walking on to ask them also (not that it would be their fault of course - it'd be down to my own stupidity in walking everywhere bare legged!

By the way, is Elourgia the name of your house or a village in Corfu? Wish we had a house (with non-toxic plants) there.....



              

Message posted by Terry and Julia on 12 September 2006 at 6:28pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer Corfu Photos
Terry and Julia
Corfu

Hi Viv,

Chicory can cause an allergic reaction and that grows all over the place but I don't know if the result would be as you describe.

Julia


Message posted by Sailor on 12 September 2006 at 6:44pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer Corfu Photos
Sailor

This is only a suggestion. Whilst in Greece last year, my legs around the ankles and lower shin area turned red, and then a purple colour when agravated by heat. Day time was more irritable than the evening, although it was not of an itchy nature.

On our return to the UK it appeared to abate at first, but did come back a few times. I spoke to my Doctor regarding this, and he was not familar with the problem. Gave me some antibiotics and some cream to rub into the legs as they appeared to be tightening, like being stretched. Again not hurting.

Early part of this year, it became worse again, and by April I find it began to hurt very much. The skin on the ankles and lower shins seemed over stretched. I also noticed a reaction to my body, where certain areas would bloat, particularly my legs and lower torso.

I returned to my doctors, who could not find anything wrong. I went to another doctor and he diagnosed Cellulitis and infection caused to the legs, which can be caused by many things. I still have the problem although not anywhere near as painful, but legs seem to have thinned and the skin around the lower shin is tight.

Hopefully, you do not have the same problem, but I would go back to your doctors to make sure. This started on a holiday in Greece. I can remember also scratching my legs on some plants when out walking. However, I am not saying this is the problem.

Hope this helps.

Yeiamas, Chris.

 


Message posted by John and Hilary on 12 September 2006 at 6:45pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer Corfu Photos
John and Hilary
Corfu

Hi Viv ,

Yes , as soon as I get into strong sunlight the symptoms  appear within 3 or 4 days . You will have read that the plant is a relative of parsley and contact with that can cause added problems .

Elourgia is a hamlet of Sinies where our plot is . The local name for the land is Megali Rahi [ big ridge ].......I can understand why , if I want to get to the bottom of the plot I will need mountaineering gear....lol

Regards....John 


Message posted by vivwells on 12 September 2006 at 10:24pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer Corfu Photos
vivwells
Corfu

Thanks Chris.  I'll pass that info on to my doctor.  It sounds a real nuisance and I hope you recover completely one day. I'm assuming it doesn't make you feel unwell other than the symptoms you describe?  Luckily I feel fine and have been advised, until I go back to the doc tomorrow, to keep my feet up as much as possible - such hardship!

John, your house is obviously going to have great views and perhaps you can do abseiling courses for the tourists

Yassou

Viv





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