Something annoying/embarrssing keepign me off pole, advice?

moonflower started this discussion · 9/5/2010

Hello Girls, I know I've been MIA for a bit (ever since the July Ontario pole jam) and there is a reason. About 5 weeks ago, I broke out in lots and lots of rashes. I mean ALL OVER my body. My neck, arms, belly, back, thighs, calves... you name it, it was covered in rashes. Hot, itching, rashes. Doctor said it was viral and I just had to sit through it. It took almost 2 weeks to leave. Ofcourse is impossible to pole when every pole contact point is red and itchy, so when they finally left I jumped on the pole. BAD IDEA!!! When I sweat, the rashes came back for a few hrs, so any exercise beyond walking is a no go. So I kept waiting. Well it's been 5 weeks since the rashes first came and the texture of my skin is still not back to normal. Parts of my skin is really baby soft (new skin?), while other parts are rough, dry and peeling. Neither is good for poling. I tried poling again today and I literally left patches of dried skin flakes on my pole as I slid down in frustration. And OMG, it's soo painful, it's like learning to pole all over again. Not only does my skin not stick, I lost so much strength. I have also lost 5 lbs (95lbs), which I'm guessing is muscle loss. Have anyone gone through anything similar (rashes or longer pole hiatus)? DOes anyone have any advice on how to proceed?

10 replies

Maria-Elena Kadala · 9/5/2010
You are the same age as my son and he developed psoriasis in his early twenties, so I don't know if it's the same thing. Are you sure it's not an allergy to the metal? Don't be embarrassed, be concnerned! Definitely get medical treatment, and don't stop until the doctors have an answer for you --- not because it keeps you from poling, but because it's not normal, and came on suddenly. It could be a symptom of something more serious. Keep us posted.
moonflower · 9/5/2010
I WAS a bit frustrated that the doctor just told me to wait it out and didn't tell me what type of virus it is, but he was a walk in doc and they really just want to get the patients out as fast as possible. I have an appointment with my family doctor next month, so I'll bring it up with him then as well. I doubt it is an allergy to the metal because I've had my pole for a long time, but one of my co worker who was there when the rashes started said it looks like what her sister in law gets when she eats shrimp which she is allergic to. I took 2 benadryls just in case but they didn't; help. I still think it could possibly be an allergy to something.
yogabeachbabe · 9/5/2010
Last year I had an unexplained case of hives. Nothing in particular seemed to cause an outbreak. All would be normal and suddenly I would feel enormous heat burning my veins. Hives would erupt and it looked like tribal sacrification. Unfortunately, people usually don't find out what causes hives (not sure about rash). Benadryl helped initially & then wore off. One doctor finally prescribed Zantac, the heartburn medicine. I can't remember why she said it worked but it was a miracle pill. I hope the relief is just as simple for you!
glitterhips · 9/6/2010
Omg that must be so frustrating! I had a friend who also used to break out unexplainably in rashes for a while and they eventually did go away on their own, sorry I can't help you more though 🙁 Have you thought about seeing a dermatologist? They might be able to (hopefully) narrow the problem down for you. Get well soon!
Prncsopowr · 9/6/2010
I totally understand! I break out in rashes for no reason whatsoever. Recently I keep getting one in my left elbow. So annoying!! Is the rash symmetrical on both sides of your body? I am also leaning towards it possibly being allergies. Last year I had a rash on most of my body that was completely symmetrical. When I went (more like ran) to my dermatologist he basically told me that I was allergic to myself. Nice, right? What I learned was that my allergies were triggering rashes instead of coughing, runny nose, and the normal. I had to change all of my allergies meds which took a few months to get under control and find which ones worked best for me. No matter what I would see if you can get into your doctor before October. It just seems too far away! Good luck!
smb1989 · 9/6/2010
Aww you poor thing...i completely know what your feeling. I have had an issue with eczema for as long as i can remember...usually in isolated parts eg just on my arm or leg...the last couple of days it has spread EVERYWHERE....both legs, both arms, chest, back, cheeks, hands...and it is driving me up the freaking wall! 😠 my entire body is itchy, red and flaky and i look like a freak 😢 so i went back to the doctor today and she has given me steriod tablets to take for a week and cortisone cream...i have had allergy tests but nothing comes back positive. Perhaps have a read up on eczema and try taking antihistamines, use soap free wash, moisturise with aloe vera or vitamin e cream as much as possible and drink lots of water.. Good luck with it! 🙂
onepinkprincess · 9/6/2010
I got a virus called slapped cheek (commonly seen in children) which is accompanied by a beautiful rash which starts on your cheeks giving you the slapped cheek appearance then it spreads all over. I kept on the pole despite very sensitive skin as I wasn't infectious after the rash appeared but skin was flaking off all over the place.I had this well over 8 weeks ago and am still trying to sort my skin out. I'm moisturising like crazy as my skin was rough and dry now it's just patches. It's improving but my thighs are still horrible. Good luck I hope it sorts itself out soon. Cxxx
moonflower · 9/6/2010
From the anecdote in this thread it seems like random full body rashes/hives are rather common. I'm not as embarrassed about it anymore, but the flaking still looks hideous! Prncsopowr: Yes, the rashes were symmetrical. And now the dry rough patches are symmetrical as well. I'm taking benadryl daily because I have horrible hay fever this year anyway, maybe it's just an extension of that. smb1989: I've been slathering on the aloe baby lotion, I'm hoping to see some improvement soon. onepinkprincess: I hope you feel better soon too! My thighs are the worst part as are the outside of my arm. Too bad we rely on our thighs so much with the pole.
sellison · 9/8/2010
I tried to pole once with poison oak. BAD IDEA 🙁
DragonPhoenix · 9/10/2010
smb1989: I've been slathering on the aloe baby lotion, I'm hoping to see some improvement soon. Cocoa Butter is also excellent for dry skin. I also like Avon's Skin So Soft, it makes the skin cuddly 🙂 http://shop.avon.com/shop/product_list.aspx?level1_id=300&level2_id=303&pdept_id=344&cat_type=B Milk, almond oil and oatmeal is also really good so I looked up the recipe for a milk bath and this one is good: http://www.ehow.com/how_2383482_make-oatmeal-milk-bath.html This may also work: http://www.skin-a-licious.com/category_15/Eczema-Soaps.htm