keratosis

[shirley0922]

About 8 years ago I had a very small spot on the side of my nose near the eye. It was red and flat with a little piece of skin sticking up. The doctor said it was dry skin. I tried moisturizers, but it still stayed there. It hasn't changed in 8 years. Last week I went to another doctor for a cold and asked him about it and he said it was pre-cancerous keratosis. He told me to use Aldara cream three times a week. I used it twice and it made a very large red spot that is now raised and very sore. I stopped using the cream and I am waiting for it to heal so I can go to a dermatologist. Has anyone else ever had anything like this? He didn't even get close when he looked at it. Could he be mistaken about what it is? I have no other marks or sores anyplace else and like I said there has been no changes with this since I first got it 8 years ago.
Thanks,
Shirley

[Careyanne]

Hi, Shirley! I've just come off treating (2nd round) solar keratoses on my nose also. First round (9/02) of treatment was 14 days 2x a day with 5-fluoracil cream. It was very painful & ugly but seemed to heal within a month. Then 3 months later (12/02) it came back & I had to retreat with the Aldara cream for 3 weeks. I'm now "watching & waiting" & go see my dermy every 3 months.

Actually you stopped the cream before it could finish doing its work. It HAS to get REAL red & ugly as it "erodes" the lesion. I know it's awful & painful but I kept telling myself it's better than dealing with a full blown cancer.

I feel for you. It's scary dealing with "precancerous lesions" & I tell God, I think I could handle skin lesions anywhere on my body EXCEPT my nose! Up front & for all the world to see!

I'm glad you finally got in to see a doc about the lesion. But I would definitely encourage you to get to a reputable dermatologist to check further into it.

Keep me posted on how you're doing. I'm anxious to hear about your results.

Hugs & best wishes!

[This message has been edited by Careyanne (edited 04-15-2003).]