porokeratosis, anyone have a remedy? - Cancer: Skin Message Board

cardinal · 06-09-2004, 12:12 PM

Hi all, I have posted this a few times. But I am at my wits end with trying products. From what I read there is no cure. I'm just hoping someone reading has found something that helps? I am moving out of Fl to a mountain area with shade in hopes of eleviating the sun exposure. I have a variety of spots all over my arms and legs, some crusty and brown, others red and purple, some are pre cancer lesions. Oh to be able to go out in short sleeve tops and not get the "stares", whats that? Can stress make it worse? I also have had several major surgeries, thinking maybe its my immune system fighting back?

ScarlettGA · 06-12-2004, 06:12 PM

Hi Cardinal - I finally went to the dermatologist and he took one look at the stuff on my arms and said..."Hmmm...sun damage - keratosis" and that was all he said about it. At the end of my session where he took 10 biopsies of moles - his nurse handed me a prescription for Lac-Lotion 12%. She told me to use it sparingly on my arms and legs for the keratosis. I was a little less than impressed with the visit to this dermatologist- but I did get the prescription filled. I have used it for almost 2 weeks straight - had to lay off a week because I broke out with poison ivy - but I noticed tonight when I was lathering it on (figured more was better) that some of the spots I could actually "peel" off and my skin looked normal underneath.

Have you tried this lotion before? He did mention it could take months to see a difference and when I frowned about that he replied "Well! it took you years in the sun to get them you can't expect miracles!" I guess he's right on that. Anyway - I go back next week - I'll ask him further about it and treatments for it. Like I said - he was more concerned about my moles which weren't even on my list of things to talk to him about. Let me know if you have heard of this stuff or if you've used it before.

Take Care...Scarlett

cardinal · 06-13-2004, 09:09 AM

Thanks Scarlett, no I haven't tried that one. I am using ammonium lactate cream and triamcinolone acetonide cream. I think the big keratosis on my leg needs to be removed surgically, it doesn't look right. It just seems strange to treat a skin condition with creams. The skin is a window to the inside. I feel something internal is causing this! My condition started about 3 yrs ago, right around the time my back starting herniating and also breast implants giving me trouble with scar tissue etc. I am hoping my new move will alleviate some of this trouble, stress and heat here in Fl.? I have NOT been in the sun, yes I did alot of sunning in my earlier yrs. But its so strange the timing of the outbreak along with my other health issues???? Keep in touch!! good luck!!!!

ScarlettGA · 06-13-2004, 04:36 PM

Cardinal - I have been thinking about you all afternoon - especially what you said about breast implants. I have heard that breast implants can cause so many different ailments if they are leaking - from lupus to God only knows what. Have you gone to a breast specialist about your skin condition? Just curious - it's a thought if you haven't and the dermatologist isn't helping you much.

This may or may not be anything - just wracking my poor brain trying to help you in anyway I can - but my mother, years ago, had a place on her leg. It was awful looking it was about the size of a baseball (in width) and it was dark, purplish-red color. She finally had to go to a specialist and they figured out that she had a sensitivity to flourescent lights (her office had them) and she had to be treated with some sort of light therapy. I can't remember exactly what it's called.If you are interested in hearing more about it - I'll contact my sister and ask her if she remembers. I do remember she had to have treatment for 3 months and it "disappeared" and never returned.

I'm sending good thoughts your way - sure hope you can find out what is causing this. Take Care....Scarlett

cardinal · 06-14-2004, 08:20 AM

Thank you Scarlett for your kind thoughts!!!! I am going to see how it gets after this major move. I had the implants removed in January and P/S sd it looked ok inside? But he sd I was smart in having them out, he never saw anything like what I have on my arms and agreed it may be associated. So after the move and now recovering from that surgery, also had a lower face lift in February and the cervical spinal fusion a yr ago, my poor body is probably "freaking" out. I am thinking the many x-rays and stress from surgeries may have played a big part! Now adding a major move , alone, is not helping. Once I get settled and rested maybe things will get better? I have my fingers crossed on getting approval for my disability from ssi. I have reason to believe it was approved!!! This will definately give me strength! I'll be away from my computer after Friday for the move but will keep you posted!! Thanks again, best wishes for you too!!!