The Whistling Vicuna

    I’ve been struggling with a skin condition for several years now. I believe it is the result of sin that I committed as a Christian. I am forgiven, and God will not view it any more. However, there are physical consequences to our actions. My wife and I pray constantly for the affliction to be taken away, but I am prepared for the humbling from the LORD.

    The first dermatologist I went to gave a rather cursory examination of the affected area and pronounced with doctorly confidence, “It’s hand eczema.” It still presents that way but has morphed into something else. The last skin dr. believes it to be psoriasis. Now, bear in mind. In between these doctor visits, a couple of years, has been a daily regimen of creams, lotions, ointments, etc., etc. We have finally found a combination of things that do help, these being, Luxiva, an expensive Merle Norman product, Jergens Shea butter lotion, tea tree oil, and ice packs. Perfumes, multiple chemicals, dyes, all contribute to the irritation of the skin and these items seem to have the fewest irritants. Even now as I write I have an Ice pack draped over my foot, cooling the incessant itch.

    At my primary care Dr.’s the other day, she mentioned that as I had been diagnosed with psoriasis, that, possibly, I have what is called psoriatic arthritis, as I do have arthritic pain in my hands, feet, hips, and possibly my neck. I’ll go to the arthritis specialist later this month and be checked out. My Dr. thought that some autoimmune suppressant drugs might be called for to help. I don’t know. I’ll just have to wait and see. Until then My wife and I will keep praying to the LORD, as He is the first line of defense for Christians, and our sovreign LORD.