purple

I am going to ask my doc about this when I see her next week, but I am just curious if anyone has been in this situation and what the outcome was.

I have a very large pannus (or "skin apron"). I was getting rashes and having issues with it before my surgery, and now that I have lost 75 lbs from my highest weight (407, I lost 35 lbs before surgery), it's hanging lower and the rashes are out of control. I also have a non-healing wound there (had a boil that opened up, and now it won't heal, so I have an open spot about a centimeter in diameter there). The rashes are horrible and painful, and make it hard to move around. I haven't been exercising because of the pain and because sweating makes it worse.

I have prescription Nystop powder, a prescription cream (can't recall the name of it), and I also use and OTC antifungal spray powder (it's marketed for jock itch, which this basically is, I guess). I just ordered some Zeasorb and some Fungicure soap to see if that helps at all. If anyone has other suggestions, I am game. I am also going to ask my doc about whether I might need to take an oral antifungal med to knock this out, since I can't seem to get it under control. And the boil may need to be excised and closed surgically, according to my PCP, which I am NOT looking forward to.

I am also going to ask if it's possible for me to have a panniculectomy before I lose all of my excess weight. I am not all that concerned about the cosmetic outcome - this is a medical issue, at this point. My insurance will cover it, but I don't know what the possible ramifications of having it done while I am still big are.

Has anyone used a support garment that they like for problems like this? I need something that will hold my pannus up some, and keep it from rubbing on my upper legs so much. The problem is that I am still in the rapid losing phase (though it frankly hasn't been very rapid - 40 lbs in 12 weeks), and I can't afford to spend a ton of money on something that will only fit for a few weeks.

Any input on this is appreciated.

__________________

Kelly

Sylvia702

I have skin rashes under my panni too. I fought this rash for nine months. I used prescription nystain, goldbond powder, jock itch cream and each month it would grow and grow until the skin became so raw that it cracked. OWowOW!! I went to a dermatologist and she gave me a prescription steroid spray called Kenallog Spray. Now, I can tell you it burns like he**, but no lie the rash was gone in three days. I dont know if this will help you, but I dont see how it would hurt to try it. Ask your doctor. Good Luck. Sylvia