Skin problems

[mdoc367]

This is my first winter on CPAP therapy. I'm having two skin issues. The first is chapping. The second is I've recently switched from the swift LT nasal pillow to the activa LT and my skin is red and raw around where the mask seals. Any suggestions?

[rosacer]

Hi mdoc367

I have been on cpap since december and I wear an Activa. The first days I started having itching beside the nostrils, irritation and a numbness sentation all day long, each time I wear the mask it was getting worst I tought I was going to devellope blisters.

I have hear that vitamin E helped the skin to regenerate so I tried a cream with a high vitamine E concentration (30 000IU) I had at home. I saw immedeatelly the difference; no redness, no blisters, no itching anymore.

I need to apply the cream every day on morning time after having washed my face with baby shampoo. Then I let the cream make his work and before going to wear the Activa I clean a little bit the skin around the nose but I don't take all the cream I let a light film which will protect and forbide the itchi sensation I have other way. If I forget to do the washing and cream ritual at morning time, I have a hard time to endure the mask.

I know studies say vitamine E doesn't help to heal scars but what I know is what I have experienced and it is: It works for me.

Make a try and see it that help. I tried lanoline and low vitamine E concentration cream and it didn't work as well as the high concentration. Pay attention to your skin some people finishes with blisters as I have heard.

Hope this will help.