I was placed on statin medication (Simvastatin (Zocor) 20mg daily)
about a year ago because of cholesterol at 'the high side of normal'.
I have no heart didease, no history of cardiac problems, but have Type
2 Diabetes and hypertension (both medicated). After about a month on
the Simvastatin my ear canals became very painful with crusting and a
discharge. I didn't make any association with the Simvastatin. My
doctor said it was eczema and recommended hydrocortisone cream for
topical application. This gave some relief but certainly no cure.  I'm
60 now and have never suffered from eczema before in my entire life.
About 3 months ago, the inside of my nostrils developed the same
problem, then my nose swelled and turned red with skin peeling. Then
the centre of my forehead joined in with a ferocious itch, pustuies
and skin peeling.  My scalp went dry with some skin peeling there too.
As you may appreciate, this was most uncomfortable and I worried that
it was getting close to my eyes.
I have also had persistent muscle pain around my right shoulder, left
elbow and left thigh, and a vague feeling of fatigue to the extent
that outdoor pursuits such as gardening haven't really appealed to me
lately.
Racking my brains about what was happening to me, there had been no
change in my lifestyle, diet, use of toiletries etc. and the only new
factor seemed to be the Simvastatin.  So, some internet research. To
my surprise, these symptoms seem to be within the group of recorded
statin side effects.  Wisely or otherwise, I stopped taking them 2
weeks ago.  My ears are almost healed, with much less irritation. The
swelling to my noise has subsided and colour almost returned to
normal. The crusts inside my nostrils have just about gone.  The
muscle pains have lessened somewhat but are still there. My general
energy level has improved and I certainly feel more motivated.
I haven't consulted my doctor yet (I'd like to present him with a
complete disappearance of the eczema).  I'm in the UK, where the
Government has decreed that everyone's cholesterol level should be
below 5 (not sure what the equivalent US number is) and doctors are
paid bonuses for attaining 'targets' for statin medication.  That's
the reason for me being put on them, rather than any problem
individual to me.  I do fear that there may be something of a timebomb
in the making here. These are not innocuous and cuddly drugs.
Incidentally, a friend of mine, 64 years of age, is on 40mg daily
Lipitor and is suffering such muscular pain around his left leg and
hip that he's resorted to a walking stick and has to rest every 15
minutes or so if he's on his feet. His situation is different to mine
- he has angina and has had several minor strokes so he's clearly in
the high risk category and probably a good candidate for statin
medication. His doctor confirms that the problem is muscular rather
than the hip joint and agrees that Lipitor may be the culprit.  As the
hospital cardiologist put him on the high Lipitor dosage he doesn't
feel that he should modify it so has referred back to the
cardiologist.
I'm wondering if anyone knows any more about the potential for skin
problems. Does the statin cause it directly or is there some kind of
sensitisation process at work that makes environmental influences more
potent?  My affected areas are all 'open to  air'.  I've had no
problems in parts of the body normally covered by clothing.
Sorry if I've bored people with a long post.

Bill