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On vdlp for only 5days and the skin peeling off, unlucky

Rajy62

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances 2013, Norte/primitivo 2014, vdlp (2015)
I hesitated to commit to the vdlp in May when i saw the temperature soaring to 40c. But, further north it was coolling off so thought i give it a try. Early start to avoid the heat. And once in the country side, there was cooler wind and kept the walk mostly comfortable. So, 5 days in, developed a large blister at the bottom of my right foot. Went to the clinic and the doctor said my skin is peeling off, caused by the excess heat, friction and my diabetes. Rested a day and walked to Fuentes today and the skin seems to have loosened even more and enlarged. So i don´t have a good feeling about this. Waiting to see the clinic tomorrow and decide.

Anyone had similar skin peeling issues?

Any suggestion on the best place to lay low and recover if i can?
 
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The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I hesitated to commit to the vdlp in May when i saw the temperature soaring to 40c. But, further north it was coolling off so thought i give it a try. Early start to avaoid the heat. And once in the country side, there was cooler wind and kept the walk mostly comfortable. So, 5 days in, developed a large blister at the bottom of my right feet. Went to the clinic and the doctor said my skin is peeling off, caused by the excess heat and my diabetes. Rested a day and walked to Fuentes today and the skin seems to have loosened even more and enlarged. So i don´t have a good feeling about this. Waiting to see the clinic tomorrow and decide.

Anyone had similar skin peeling issues?

Any suggestion on the best place to lay low and recover if i can?
So sorry to hear about that...
But I thought you were going to walk Levante since you asked about electric socket on Levante???

Ultreia!
 
So sorry to hear about that...
But I thought you were going to walk Levante since you asked about electric socket on Levante???

Ultreia!
Levante was one option i was contemplating. At the end chose the vdlp. It is quite a backcountry walk, i was beginning to like it. Do share your impressions on Levante.
 
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Levante was one option i was contemplating. At the end chose the vdlp. It is quite a backcountry walk, i was beginning to like it. Do share your impressions on Levante.
Oh, I see.
I'll post my journal after return for sure.

Safe Camino!
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I suggest that you massively increase your water intake. Along the lines of 500mL to 1L per hour. Plump up those epidermal cells so that they don't shear off. What are you wearing on your feet?

I was going to say the exact same thing, so instead, I'll say: Excellent advice, Donna! I completely concur! :)
 
I suggest that you massively increase your water intake. Along the lines of 500mL to 1L per hour. Plump up those epidermal cells so that they don't shear off. What are you wearing on your feet?
Been drinking 2-3l during walks and then 1.5-2l during the evenings. So, well hydrated. My right foot is narrower than the left. With my wide shoes, my left foot is moving around too much i think. So the combination of heat, friction and movement caused the skin to shear and peel off. I always have thicker calluces under the ball. This is where it started.

I usually wear structured boots and never had any bliter issues. This time walking with a NB country walker shoes that has gtx. May be the gtx contributed to the heat as well. If i can recover and continue, will try to get a trail runner with mesh upper. Sandals would be tricky for hilly/scree surfaces.
 
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Rajy, oh my dear - so sorry for you.

You - being diabetic - are probably already very well aware that foot sores (and any sores at that) may take a long time to heal (meaning risk of infection and further calamities). (Am a diabetic myself).

Please take the advice of any doctors you see, and please mention that you are diabetic as this may change the scenario of their recommendations.

Again, so sorry if this may cut your walk short - but better safe than sorry.

annelise
 
I did a similar thing walking in Sicily during several blazing hot days a number of years ago. The heat generated from the pavement blistered the bottoms of both of my feet. Ice, gauze tape and spending several days off my feet gave me enough relief to board a plane and call it quits. If I knew what I know now, I would never walk for more than an hour or two in that kind of heat if any kind of paved surface is involved.
 
Sorry to hear that Ray. Today we arrived in Olivia de Plasencia. Albergue is closed because of renovations. Will be open again on 1th of july. New owner ! We stay in Hostel Via Caparra. Very nice ! About 21 km from Carcaboso. 40 km a day in that kind of heat is really to far for us. We start early in the morning to be in at noon to save are feets ! We wear goretex shoes and no blisters at all. Wish you all the best !
Buen Camino !!
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
Rajy, oh my dear - so sorry for you.

You - being diabetic - are probably already very well aware that foot sores (and any sores at that) may take a long time to heal (meaning risk of infection and further calamities). (Am a diabetic myself).

Please take the advice of any doctors you see, and please mention that you are diabetic as this may change the scenario of their recommendations.

Again, so sorry if this may cut your walk short - but better safe than sorry.

annelise
I got blisters but never on the bottom of my feet. The clincs here are very good. They put me on antibiotics from day one. When i asked the doctors how long it might take to heal, ´`Ït depends´- is what i get. Usually cuts on my feet heals within a week. This one is huge, so i am going to lay around for a week and see i there is any noticeable skin regrowth....and decide then-
 
Sorry to hear that Ray. Today we arrived in Olivia de Plasencia. Albergue is closed because of renovations. Will be open again on 1th of july. New owner ! We stay in Hostel Via Caparra. Very nice ! About 21 km from Carcaboso. 40 km a day in that kind of heat is really to far for us. We start early in the morning to be in at noon to save are feets ! We wear goretex shoes and no blisters at all. Wish you all the best !
Buen Camino !!
I met several people walking with gtx shoes. I suppose it affects people differently. I am also on the heavy side, increased friction. I was begnning to like the backcountry style walking .... Good luck with your Camino.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
I did a similar thing walking in Sicily during several blazing hot days a number of years ago. The heat generated from the pavement blistered the bottoms of both of my feet. Ice, gauze tape and spending several days off my feet gave me enough relief to board a plane and call it quits. If I knew what I know now, I would never walk for more than an hour or two in that kind of heat if any kind of paved surface is involved.
Strange thing is it is only my right foot. Most likely due to increased movement of that forefoot. It is not a typical blister one can patch up and go. This is a large area below the ball of my foot. So i will irritate/inflame the healing process by every single step- I never hiked in gtx and never again. A costly experiment.
 
I got blisters but never on the bottom of my feet. The clincs here are very good. They put me on antibiotics from day one. When i asked the doctors how long it might take to heal, ´`Ït depends´- is what i get. Usually cuts on my feet heals within a week. This one is huge, so i am going to lay around for a week and see i there is any noticeable skin regrowth....and decide then-
I'm glad you are willing to lay off for a week and give it a chance to heal. Yes costly and disappointing for you, but a wise choice.
 
Sorry to hear that Ray. Today we arrived in Olivia de Plasencia. Albergue is closed because of renovations. Will be open again on 1th of july. New owner ! We stay in Hostel Via Caparra. Very nice ! About 21 km from Carcaboso. 40 km a day in that kind of heat is really to far for us. We start early in the morning to be in at noon to save are feets ! We wear goretex shoes and no blisters at all. Wish you all the best !
Buen Camino !!
Thanks for the heads up.
I'm hoping to be there on June 26th-ish.
 
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So sorry for your troubles! If the skin is peeling other than where actual blisters are, consider a fungal infection. Easy to pick up in the communal showers. I had it on one foot only, and it only cleared up after I thought to use antifungal cream on it. Buen Camino!
 
Blisters are a big problem and yes you do need to have them treated - professionally. When you stop (for lunch/rest etc) I suggest that you remove your shoes/boots and let the moisture in the socks and boots evaporate - even consider removing your socks and let the feet completely dry. Same trick at the end of the day - change into sandals /flip-flops etc so that your feet have the opportunity to truly rest.
BTW It might not be the full Camino experience but you might want to consider breaking in Caceres or Merida and taking the bus to Salamanca before resuming.
Buen Camino.
 
I hesitated to commit to the vdlp in May when i saw the temperature soaring to 40c. But, further north it was coolling off so thought i give it a try. Early start to avoid the heat. And once in the country side, there was cooler wind and kept the walk mostly comfortable. So, 5 days in, developed a large blister at the bottom of my right foot. Went to the clinic and the doctor said my skin is peeling off, caused by the excess heat, friction and my diabetes. Rested a day and walked to Fuentes today and the skin seems to have loosened even more and enlarged. So i don´t have a good feeling about this. Waiting to see the clinic tomorrow and decide.

Anyone had similar skin peeling issues?

Any suggestion on the best place to lay low and recover if i can?
When you've fixed your blisters try vaseline for your feet and cinnamon powder, called canela and available in most restaurants free if you ask. Try to take one tsp a day to keep sugar low. Also give up coffee. caffeine is bad for diabetes. drink plenty of water
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
When you've fixed your blisters try vaseline for your feet and cinnamon powder, called canela and available in most restaurants free if you ask. Try to take one tsp a day to keep sugar low. Also give up coffee. caffeine is bad for diabetes. drink plenty of water
Backiej, sorry, but the only advice I can subscribe to is to drink lots of water. - It is on old women's tale that cinnamon will help lower your glucose numbers (the theory has been shot down again and again ... - and never heard about the coffee theory.

Sorry, I know we should not give medical advice here but felt I needed to respond as your advice is wrong (even though not harmful).

annelise (diabetic)
 
Thank you for all the tips/advice. the first doctor took one look and said "it's you diabetes". I am a bit puzzled, never had my skin peeling off in chunks. I am usually well hydrated. My guess is that this is caused by a combination of heat, gtx, new insole, my weight, pack weight and too much friction. It's been a week and it has not healed enough to resume walking. Stopped my Camino, enrolling in a spanish course in valencia before my return flight a month from now.
 
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Hi, Rajy62, tough decision, I know. But Valencia is an absolutely beautiful and very liveable city, so I'm sure it will be a great place to be for a month. And I'm pretty sure you will overlap with Kinky, who is going to be starting his Camino de Levante in the not too distant future.

Hope you enjoy it a lot.
 
Thank you for all the tips/advice. the first doctor took one look and said "it's you diabetes". I am a bit puzzled, never had my skin peeling off in chunks. I am usually well hydrated. My guess is that this is caused by a combination of heat, gtx, new insole, my weight, pack weight and too much friction. It's been a week and it has not healed enough to resume walking. Stopped my Camino, enrolling in a spanish course in valencia before my return flight a month from now.
Hola Rajy62!
Not nice news but admire how wisely you are handling this!
As @peregrina2000 already mentioned I'll be in Valencia one week from today (June 6th), staying another day to see some of the city and start walking on Monday 8th. We can meet if you wish. Do you have Spanish SIM card?

Boštjan
 
Thank you for all the tips/advice. My guess is that this is caused by a combination of heat, gtx, new insole, my weight, pack weight and too much friction. It's been a week and it has not healed enough to resume walking. Stopped my Camino, enrolling in a spanish course in valencia before my return flight a month from now.
Well as difficult as it may be your decision to stop walking is the smart one. So is enrolling in the Spanish course - at least you will have achieved something for your pain. BTW - when you return to the Camino (fingers crossed) check the weight of your pack - try for less than 10% of body weight or at least under 10kg/22 pounds. Buen Camino.;)
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
Well as difficult as it may be your decision to stop walking is the smart one. So is enrolling in the Spanish course - at least you will have achieved something for your pain. BTW - when you return to the Camino (fingers crossed) check the weight of your pack - try for less than 10% of body weight or at least under 10kg/22 pounds. Buen Camino.;)
I underestimated the amount of food and water I needed to carry. For a full day walk, I needed 3l water plus food. So 4kg on top of my pack weight. Plus the heat and my body weight all exacerbated to the shear. I carrymy cap device which is 3kg so impossible to reduce the pack weight to 10kg. So, next time I am shipping my pack ahead and walk with a day pack.
 
Hola Rajy62!
Not nice news but admire how wisely you are handling this!
As @peregrina2000 already mentioned I'll be in Valencia one week from today (June 6th), staying another day to see some of the city and start walking on Monday 8th. We can meet if you wish. Do you have Spanish SIM card?

Boštjan
Hi just read your msg. No don't have a spanish Sim. Email me rajy06@gmail.com...
 
Hi, Rajy62, tough decision, I know. But Valencia is an absolutely beautiful and very liveable city, so I'm sure it will be a great place to be for a month. And I'm pretty sure you will overlap with Kinky, who is going to be starting his Camino de Levante in the not too distant future.

Hope you enjoy it a lot.
I have been here for a week now. Beginning to like the city. I am not allowed to walk too much yet. About 80% of the skin is regrown that took 3 weeks. At least few more weeks before I am fully recovered. Hopefully, I can do some siteseeing. Enjoying the Spanish school too...
 
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I'm so glad to hear you are healing. I am sure this ordeal has really tested your patience and ability to accept these unwanted setbacks. I know it did for me when I had to stop after Sevilla-caceres a few years ago.

I think Kinky is on his way to Valencia and I hope you have a great get together. Buen camino, Laurie.
 
Rajy62, so sorry to hear about this. When you get back home, and before an another Camino, may I recommend my podiatrist, Dr Bluma Girzon, in Westmount. She got me through this Camino pain free despite the state of my fasciitis; she may have good advice for you for a next Camino.
 
Rajy62, so sorry to hear about this. When you get back home, and before an another Camino, may I recommend my podiatrist, Dr Bluma Girzon, in Westmount. She got me through this Camino pain free despite the state of my fasciitis; she may have good advice for you for a next Camino.
Thanks I will follow up on that. I don't have a regular podiatrist.
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
I'm so glad to hear you are healing. I am sure this ordeal has really tested your patience and ability to accept these unwanted setbacks. I know it did for me when I had to stop after Sevilla-caceres a few years ago.

I think Kinky is on his way to Valencia and I hope you have a great get together. Buen camino, Laurie.
Yes I was very disappointed to say the least. But, once I saw the size of the wound I knew it's not going to heal quickly. Strange thing is there were people helping me along. On the first day, there was a Frenchman who walked me to the clinic and waited while i get treated and then to the pharmacy to get all the meds I need. And then the following day at Fuentes, the hospitalero's son accompanied me to the clinic and explained to the doctors and nurses my ordeal. I ended up staying there four nights. He even drove me to the bus stop. I am so great full for these strangers that gave a helpful hand in teaching me how to nurse my feet. Only on the Camino....
 
Backiej, sorry, but the only advice I can subscribe to is to drink lots of water. - It is on old women's tale that cinnamon will help lower your glucose numbers (the theory has been shot down again and again ... - and never heard about the coffee theory.

Sorry, I know we should not give medical advice here but felt I needed to respond as your advice is wrong (even though not harmful).

annelise (diabetic)
Cinnamon is food, not medicine in the traditional sense and ever since I was diagnosed in 2008, I have never had to take a tablet or any medication whatever despite weighing around 240 pounds. I am tablet phobic. My diabetes doctor says that it is the best-controlled case of diabetes he has ever seen. My sugar levels are stable. They have been at 6.1 for seven years. (I live in UK so numbers are different here than in the States). I eat minimal carbs, plenty of veg, walk at least mile or two every day when I am not on Camino and no longer drink coffee, coca cola tea because I have learned that all caffeine raises blood sugar. Of course, it is only a theory but it works for me. I do realise that some people would prefer to do what the doctor advises. I'm a rebel lol. I drink 2 - 3 litres of water every day. I am still obese because I slip up from time to time. Another food I found in Ayurvedic Medicine which I find really helps is karela juice, but man it tastes awful. I always prefer food to medicine. PS is there a word for tablet phobia?
 
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I have been here for a week now. Beginning to like the city. I am not allowed to walk too much yet. About 80% of the skin is regrown that took 3 weeks. At least few more weeks before I am fully recovered. Hopefully, I can do some siteseeing. Enjoying the Spanish school too...
Hi Raj
So sorry for the halt to your Camino. You'll be back.
I'd love to hear more about the Spanish school

Are you feeling more proficient in the language ?

Annie
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Hi Annie,
Before this course I thought I knew enough spanish to travel and get around in any spanish speaking country. But I was speaking poorly of course with infinite forms of verbs... well this course taught me to use proper Grammer. They don't let you speak a word of English and most of the time it is practicing the granmer. So yes I find I am learning to think in spanish instead of translating from English. I love is so much I am extending another month to complete levels A1 and A2. Lucky we also found a unique teacher, she is so passionate and expressive there is never a boring moment. Interesting, I met few people who were doing 1 or 2 weeks of basics before the Camino. It is a coincidence that I enrolled in a school that won best school of the year for few years in a row for their unique teaching method.
 
A little late for this, but I find Engo patches on my insole helped reduced friction on broad area in the ball of my foot and the width of my foot when I was getting a blister there.
 
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A little late for this, but I find Spengo patches on my insole helped reduced friction on broad area in the ball of my foot and the width of my foot when I was getting a blister there.
I have not tried those patches. But used Lynco i420 insoles that are softer in two of my previous caminos. I am sure to go back to what worked for my diabetic feet.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
Sorry, that's Engo patches. They're slick patches that stick to your insole or other parts of your shoe like the part at the heel or wherever you're having blisters.
 
I'm not a doctor but I do know that drinking too much water can be lethal. Just google deaths of ravers who drank too much water. 1 liter per hour??? I would hesitate to recommend this. My non professional measure for being well hydrated is the color of my urine. If it's pale yellow I know I'm getting enough water.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
@Rajy62 What is the name of the Spanish school you attended in Valencia? I've always thought I would do that if I had to stop my camino.
Hi Clearly, Hispania-valencia. I was in Barcelona for a week before deciding to go to Valencia. I loved it. Lot smaller than Barcelona, but fewer people and a nice artistic/trendy town. Great place to unwind. Weather is perfect except later half of July and beginning of August when we hit an europe wide heat wave.
http://www.hispania-valencia.com/en/
 
I'm not a doctor but I do know that drinking too much water can be lethal. Just google deaths of ravers who drank too much water. 1 liter per hour??? I would hesitate to recommend this. My non professional measure for being well hydrated is the color of my urine. If it's pale yellow I know I'm getting enough water.
I will look out for those Engo patches for my next Camino.
How much water one needs depends on how much you perspire. I don't think there is any scientific way to calculate how much water per hour one should drink. I usually start with a 500 ml in the morning before i head out and usually after 2 hrs i start to drink more and more. I perspire like crazy and need to replenish more frequently. Yes urine color is a good indicator. They say if you are thirsty you are already starting to dehydrate.
 
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Weight before and after exertion is one way I've read to see what you've lost. Don't remember the details. How practical this is on a camino is questionable.
 
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