Hey All,

My surgery was pretty recent and I've only lost 68 lbs so far, so I'm pretty early on in the journey. I have begun to notice excess skin, however, especially on my arms, upper inner thighs, and around my belly button.

The skin around my belly button is most concerning as it's creating deeper creases in existing folds. I have a hard time keeping the area dry and as a result, I've already gotten an infection. Is there any way to combat this?

Thanks!

There may be a upside to rashes and infection

Check with your surgeons office. Some insurance company's will cover skin removal if you have a Dr document the issue.

I agree 100% with Jenn. Even if you can handle the infection at home make sure you go to the doctor and document it every single time.

With the right amount of documentation the plastic surgery needed to fix it will be covered under insurance.

So to answer your question, this is normal. Make sure you are using an antibacterial soap to clean and dry well after showering/bathing. My husband used to get rashes from his skin rubbing together and having to wear wrangler jeans at work every day. Once we switched to Dial Bar Soap the issues went away.

@jenn1@kranky813 Thanks, ladies. I have an appt with my PCP next month and a follow up with my surgeon on Feb 23. I'll definitely mention it.

Although, the prospect of skin surgery scares me greatly.

Definitely document with photos any issues. My skin isn't that bad (I guess) but it is still bothersome. Hope all goes smooth and congrats on the loss so far!

Definitely document with photos any issues. My skin isn't that bad (I guess) but it is still bothersome. Hope all goes smooth and congrats on the loss so far!

Thank you!! It's not to the point it's painful or anything. But ugh, so annoying.

So the idea to document it is a good one, however in the mean time, try using deodorant. Not the goopy, gel kind but the solid, white stick kind. Slather that all in the crease, and it will help to keep it dry and prevent chafing. I used to get heat rash under my breasts because the skin liked to get hot there and chafe and when I started using deodorant under them, I never had the problem again. Also, then I had plastics and now I no longer need the deodorant, which could work out just as well for you!

So the idea to document it is a good one, however in the mean time, try using deodorant. Not the goopy, gel kind but the solid, white stick kind. Slather that all in the crease, and it will help to keep it dry and prevent chafing. I used to get heat rash under my breasts because the skin liked to get hot there and chafe and when I started using deodorant under them, I never had the problem again. Also, then I had plastics and now I no longer need the deodorant, which could work out just as well for you!

I will definitely give that a shot. Thanks!

Baby powder with cornstarch. It helps me stay dry when I notice chaffing issues.

My weight loss provider has been documenting my rashes already (8 weeks out) and prescribed me Nystatin powder and cream. It helps.

When I lost weight before and had " the skin " after bathing - I would lie down after towel drying, lift the skin up and dry it completely with a hair dryer on low heat setting. This would make sure the air got to the skin and then I would powder with a medicated powder. That prevented infection as the germs love dark moist places

When I lost weight before and had " the skin " after bathing - I would lie down after towel drying, lift the skin up and dry it completely with a hair dryer on low heat setting. This would make sure the air got to the skin and then I would powder with a medicated powder. That prevented infection as the germs love dark moist places

I do that now and it didn't seem to help. But the redness has gone down this morning so that's a positive.

Band aid makes this little stick that looks like a tiny deodorant, and it's called friction block or blister guard. It works great to rub on your feet if you have new shoes or ones that rub and give you problems, and it would also work well for the excess skin areas that are rubbing and getting irritated. It is dry and just a bit waxy and makes the skin area slippery.