Shoulder dislocation

[iradney]

The aftercare instructions say he MUST keep his arm in a neutral position and for washing, he may not lift his arm. He can lean forward and let it hang to get to the pit, but once again, the big laterals and triceps get in the bloody way. I'm actually considering buying one of those hairdryers that has the cool setting, just to stick it under his arm and try and blowdry it!

[Seshat]

Talk to a pharmacist.

There are continence-care grade creams which protect the skin from moisture (designed for urine & fecal moisture, but damned effective for sweat as well).

The one I use is called Cavilon, it's made by 3M and the active ingredient is dimethicone. It works brilliantly for me - even better than Bephanthen (a nappy-rash cream) which is what I used to use.

This is, of course, a preventative. To cure existing fungal rashes, you'll need to talk to a doctor. My educated-guess would be one of the broad spectrum antifungal creams, supplemented with a topical pain-relief ointment.

With all of these, of course, you'll need to sort of .. somehow slide a hand or an applicator spatula in there. Good luck!

[Sapphire Silk]

Quoth Seshat

Talk to a pharmacist.

There are continence-care grade creams which protect the skin from moisture (designed for urine & fecal moisture, but damned effective for sweat as well).

The one I use is called Cavilon, it's made by 3M and the active ingredient is dimethicone. It works brilliantly for me - even better than Bephanthen (a nappy-rash cream) which is what I used to use.

This is, of course, a preventative. To cure existing fungal rashes, you'll need to talk to a doctor. My educated-guess would be one of the broad spectrum antifungal creams, supplemented with a topical pain-relief ointment.

With all of these, of course, you'll need to sort of .. somehow slide a hand or an applicator spatula in there. Good luck!

Nystatin or Lotrimin would probably be the prescription product. I'd use care, and ask a pharmacist about anything OTC. In a case like this using the wrong product is worse than doing nothing.

Don't use cornstarch or talcum power. They retain moisture and encourage fungal growth.

For an applicator, try using tongue depressors. They're long enough, and flat enough that they should work fine. You can get them by the box fairly cheaply at any medical supply place.

[Seshat]

Oh gods no - no powders! As Panacea said, worse than nothing!

You def.. ahem. IANADoctor. However, I would strongly recommend, as an intertrigo patient, on a patient-to-patient basis (/end disclaimer) ....

Where was I? Oh yeah.

Skin-protective barrier creams are the best thing I've found to prevent fungal overgrowth in skin folds.

Treatment requires an antifungal: if it's difficult to get in there to use an anti-fungal cream, ask for a prescribed oral antifungal, and if needed, an oral painkiller.

I think you'll need to use a topical barrier cream, however. I don't think there's going to be a way to avoid that.

[iradney]

His doc prescribed Travocort for the fungal stuff. TTO says the pad does help somewhat and we do try and dry as well as we can after showering. I did get him Sudocream to help with the pressure sores he was getting on his shoulder (works like a charm!) but I don't think it will help with the armpit. We've got just over 3 weeks left (27 days left!) until the damn sling comes off, so I'm hoping the combo of panty liners, thorough washing, rinsing and the best drying we can do, plus the cream from the doc will help....and the second he can move that arm even 2 inches away from his side, I am in there with a towel!

Thanks guys

[dalesys]

Quoth iradney

....and the second he can move that arm even 2 inches away from his side, I am in there with a towel!

And a gas mask?

[wagegoth]

Quoth iradney

and the second he can move that arm even 2 inches away from his side, I am in there with a trowel!

There, fixed that for ya.

I'm glad to hear he's doing so well. There's nothing better than a good, long, thorough shower after being sick or injured, and I'm sure he can't wait for that day.