All guestbook posts from August 23, 2010 through May 16, 2011
23 Aug 2010
Dear all, I have auto- diagnosed DSAP via this page and the outcome of a histologic diagnosis, the doc just told me it is a sun damage and that I have to stay out of the sun ("its not cancer yet.") I have been using a sun lotion called ultrasun very high 50+ ultra sensitive, which is fragance free. The neutrogena products mentioned on this site are not available in Europe. And I do feel an ease, the spots are softer and less red. Good luck to all- Mina1
28 Aug 2010
Anne, thank you for the advice. and yes, the spots do have raised edges and i have been trying hydro-cortizone cream, the spots are a little less noticeable now, i am in the process of switching doctors to see if i can get a diagnosis. thank you all so much. ~Rachel
29 Aug 2010
This is SUSAN F...Hi everyone :) For me using the A&D ointment has made my spots are hardly noticeable. My mom and I had breakfast a few days ago and in the middle of me talking she grabbed my arm and said "wow what have you been using? I can hardly see them anymore". They are far less scaly, some are completely healed but by saying that .. you can still see very pale marks where they once were..like when you peel a scab. I will take that over the way they used to look anyday! ,,,cont'd
29 Aug 2010
I dont know if my skin will ever be like before I had DSAP but at least I dont look like I have some horrid disease and can wear sleeveless shirts again. I too am curious as to how many of you who have tried it have found that it is working?? Its amazing how many people are being diagnosed with this. If you have children..pls do not let them go in tanning beds! My doctor told me that is a source that brings them out usually after 30 yrs of age..which was in my case. Goodnite all :) SUSAN F
30 Aug 2010
Susan F wondering if you are part of the yahoo group it would be nice to see photos of your arms and legs if you are maybe you would consider adding photos been thinking about you- also I have been using the a and d for months- they turn redder when I put it on than the red goes away did you experience that and did you use anything besides the a and d are u still using itnightly
10 Sep 2010
Beware the use of steroid creams! After putting up with my spots for years, I finally made an appointment with a colleague, a Dermatologist, to see what he thought. His initial Dx was a form of Psoriasis. I was placed on Clobetasol 0.05% cream, applied twice daily. In the span of ten days, I doubled the number of lesions and now have intensely red spots on legs and arms. The second visit he said this is DSAP. David Riesenberger, MD
22 Sep 2010
SUSAN F here ... I tried joining the yahoo group once and whomever was running it wouldn't accept me but just kept posting my posts here. Then finally came back to me (after my asking what is taking so long to be accepted) with a nasty message so no I am not a member there. As far as them looking "redder" when you put on the ointment..yep they do (cont'd)
22 Sep 2010
but that goes for anything I would put on my arms i.e. suntan oil, vitamin e capsules. It just intensifies the color but thats why I only put it on at night..no one sees it but me. Im not sure if I posted this part but I know the ointment has a smell and my sheets would smell like that so I took an old pair or socks (the longer kind) and cut off the feet and slip that on both arms after I apply the ointment. Sounds funny but works good :) (cont'd)
22 Sep 2010
At this point now when I look at my arms you can hardly see my spots and when I feel them that are not rough and scaly as they once were. Just a pale pink (like when a scab comes off) I am extremely happy! (cont'd)
22 Sep 2010
I dont talk about the spots on my legs because I hardly have any..they just hit my forearms to the extreme. I dont wear shorts anymore since diagnosed. I wear capris and when I go to the beach its the most potent sunscreen I can find. To keep the tan even I used self-tanning lotion on my legs. Be patient is all I can say..it will be worth it (SUSAN F)
22 Sep 2010
Susan F - I have been using the a&d for 3 months at night now on my legs and arms. I have mainly brown spots. Did it fade your brown spots or just make the red ones less red? Do you have an email address I can contact you on if I have any questions whilst I am doing the A&d? thank you :-))
25 Sep 2010
When DSAP was diagnosed, I have taken every treatment given to me by my dermatologist since my 40th birthday. My daughter/niece's conditions came out at age 25. Ointments, vinegar soaks, & lanolin/tea tree oils have not corrected DSAP. I often see people staring at my legs. Nowadays the public acts frightened by the spots. My doctor told me that DSAP is a pre-cancer condition, I had 2 places biopsied--both benign & I totally gave up tanning. Anne E
01 Oct 2010
Hi I suffer from DSAP - 25 yr old male , Sydney Australia. They haven't really been a huge issue as they are not that noticeable... yet. I have worked in an office since high school but hated it and changed jobs to carpentry as I love the outdoors (go figure). Im really worried about these stories I heard of them multiplying quickly over a short period of time and becoming red. Right now I can handle this and can freeze them off without scaring, just faint white dot. Continued....
01 Oct 2010
After reading stories im thinking of doing this treatment: - Sunblock everyday and re-applied - Wearing UV protected clothing - A&D ointment everynight - Periodically freezing - Trying alternative treatments on test spots. Im hoping they don't multiply and/or become red... As right now I see it as a positive as I will take much greater care of my skin than other guys my age. Continued...
01 Oct 2010
Some Facts: - 25 yr old male - Light brown hair, brown eyes - Tan easily but can go really white. My thighs are bright white - Dad is english, mum is Australian - No known family members have this disease - Sister has crohn's disease (read this may be related) ... Also no known family members have crohn's disease Also.... Has anyone tried Ingenol Mebutate ??? It's a new treatment that seems to work well on AK http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/718202 Steve
08 Oct 2010
Hi everyone, I have made a public forum where we can post pictures. I made this because I can't seem to join the yahoo group which is a shame. Anyway here is the address http://dsap.freeforums.org/
09 Oct 2010
I tried using the A&D ointment, but it's so greasy and messy, I saw someone else mention Gold Bond Ultimate restoring lotion with CoQ10 - it really works well! My spots are so faded, I can hardly notice them anymore... my family is also amazed. It's not gone, but such a marked improvement, I'm very happy with the results! Laurie
11 Oct 2010
Laurie were your spots flat and brown with ridges or were they raised. Curious if you are comfortable wearing shorts and short sleeves
19 Oct 2010
My spots have ridges (some brown, most red or pink)The lotion has actually diminished the color.I feel them when I rub my hand over my arms & legs-it doesn't remove them, but significantly diminished.I'm always a little uncomfortable with shorts/short sleeves-but worn both & not had people staring at me like I'm diseased-They're not noticeable unless you know they're there.Of course, I still see them, but my husband said he can't really see the spots anymore-that makes me happy!Laurie
20 Oct 2010
Another question Laurie- did yours ever itch mine tend to be red- pink sometimes purple looking does that sound familiar I did have some frozen look bad now but hopefully will fade seems like freezing and taz/efu has been most effective. I did 3 with yag laser hoping to have good results
20 Oct 2010
Laurie, how long did you use the cream for until you noticed fading? Thanks Roshi
26 Oct 2010
Yes, mine itch... they still do from time to time... I've never had any procedures done on mine, such as freezing - the dermatologists around here won't do anything! Roshi - I used the cream for about 2-3 months before I started to notice a real difference... Hope that helps! Laurie
26 Oct 2010
Thanks Laurie :-))
26 Oct 2010
1 of 1 Update - used a&d for 5 months and no real difference. Used flaxseed oil mixed with cottage cheese and this has kept the redness right down on the red lesions I have. Have now switched to just taking flaxseed oil by itself and it is still working.
26 Oct 2010
2 of 2 Update - Update - Have been using lemon and sugar scrub on my brown and clear lesions for about a month and this has made the ridges barely noticeable and my skin very soft and it is also starting slowly but surely to fade the brown pigment. Any questions please feel free to mail me at
26 Oct 2010
Hi my name is Patty and I am new here. Can you please tell me the name of the creams that you are using. My Dr put me on this one cream called AmLactin that I use everyday and Mometasone Furoate 0.1% Crean that I put on twice a day for 10 days and then go off for 10 days. I swear it has made them worse. The AmLactin cream you can buy over the counter but the other cream was given to me from the Dr.I am at my wits end Please give me any suggestion
27 Oct 2010
hi everyone,my frist name is zhang.i'm a DSAP patient.I want to know who has an effective treatment methods.please Contact me. now i just avoid the sun as much as possible and to put on SPF-30 sunscreen .my msn address:
28 Oct 2010
I have DSAP and like many others it took years for it to be diagnosed - I have had it for at least 15 year, have used flourouracil cream to one of my arms only but only made it worse. Cannot wear shorts or skirts because of the looks I get from other people, why can't someone come up with a cure. My father recently had a very bad outbreak, I had to go with him to the doctor as I knew he wouldn't be able to diagnose it, let alone medicate him.
30 Oct 2010
Hi I am new here and I want to know what the treatment that you guys are talking about that are helping yoour spots. My dsap is the worse now then it ever as been I am 58 years old and always use sunscreen but not during the winter. it is so embrassing everybody is always looking at them to the point that it is rude. I'll take any advice right now. I am going to Vegas for my 35 wedding anniversary. Iwould like to wear something beside jeans. Thanks
30 Oct 2010
what is the a&d ointment
01 Nov 2010
years ago there was a girl in Houston Kindra who went to Debra Chernosky in Houston and said her spots cleared in 4 months. havent heard back but wanted to let everyone know her fatherin law was Marvin Chernosky one who named dsap. I have an appt in nov they said they use a combination of topical creams wondering if anyone else has gone to her and had luck. will keep you posted mary
10 Nov 2010
Hi everyone. Just found site and so glad. What is the A & D ointment and where do you buy it. I have only had the problem with DSAP last 2 months and have tried several things. How do you get rid of the redness? Am using Neem cream now and it does seem better but slow.Derm froze some and I am not happy with results. Was very slow in healing and I do mean slow. Thanks for any input. Shirley
10 Nov 2010
MARY THANK YOU FOR YOUR POST ON DR CHERNOSKY. I AM GOING TO TRY TO GET AN APPT FOR MY 15 Y/O DAUGHTER WITH HER. I WANT TO MAKE SURE HER DIAGNOSIS IS CORRECT. IF SO, SHE IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE YOUNGEST PATIENTS AS SHE HAS HAD THIS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. PLEASE KEEP US POSTED IF YOU COME ACROSS ANY OTHER INFORMATION.THANKS, ANDREA
11 Nov 2010
andrea- do you live in Houston if you see her next week let me know what she says and effective treatment- I will see her on the nov 22nd and will let everyone know what I find out- thanks Mary
14 Nov 2010
Has anyone tried Solaraze?
18 Nov 2010
I have tried Solarze and mixed results. After three months of use the crusty rings were completely gone, but no change in pigmentation. I also developed an allergic reaction rash and had to stop using it. It's now been about a year since I stopped and the crusty rings have not noticeably returned. -DavidP
23 Nov 2010
Has anyone used micro dermabrasion to treat their dsap keratosis?
Would like to know what results if any you had. Thanks. My email is
28 Nov 2010
I'm 56 y/o now and was diagnosed with DSAP when I was 40, on my first trip to a dermatologist. Realized that my dad has the same condition and he had been misdiagnosed with eczema. He's 82 y/o and his DSAP, due to excessive sun exposure, is very "bad." I stay out of the sun and wear long sleeves and long pants, but would love to be able to wear less. Have tried freezing, various prescribed meds and creams, with no luck. Will give the Vitamin A-D ointment a whirl.
01 Dec 2010
I got the DSAP news when I was 52. I recognized the symptoms from the previous summer. Very fortunately, the doctor made the right call within a matter of weeks (he made one miscall, then got it right.) The scars on my legs have cleared up, I think because I went cold turkey on the sunlight. That is what I recommend: use your sunscreen and wear special clothes that offer protection. At the same time, don't succumb to depression. Adjust your life without retreating from it. Lee, Worcester, MA
10 Dec 2010
Andrea wondering if you went to Dr. Chernosky. She is having me use solaraze gel on my calfs. Very expensive glad I met my deductible. Don't really know if people have had luck with it been using it almost a month- she said to give it 2-3 months.
10 Dec 2010
PART 2- aLSO SEEING AN ASTHETIC skin specialist on forearms did microdebrassion,thermo lo laser and peel. still see lesions not red purplish pink some have little scabs hope that is a good sign will keep everyone posted would be nice to hear from people of what is working
05 Jan 2011
Hi! I have been recently diagnosed with DSAP (after 1-1/2 years of not knowing). My dermatologist had me try Tazorac, and now my legs look bruised and have welts on them. It doesn't even look like DSAP, it looks like I have inflammed pimples on the inside of my legs. Can you tell me how I can alleviate this pain and discomfort, and have you found any other treatment for DSAP. Thanks Denise Setchell
14 Jan 2011
I was diagnosed years ago & mine actually clears up with UVB rays in the sun. This is great in the summer but explodes in the winter.I usually have light treatment but didn't this year. I was diagnosed hypothyroid & Vit D deficient. Since I've been treating my thyroid(both T4&T3)& my Vit.D & using Dovenex my DSAP is getting better. Spots are lightening and itching and roughness is gone. You may want to have your levels checked.
08 Feb 2011
I too have DSAP. In addition to my daily sunscreen ritual, I take Polypodium Leucotomos. It is supposed to offer sunscreen protection from the inside out. I have read that it also helps psoriasis as well. You may want to check it out.
09 Feb 2011
to the person who said yours clears up in the summer what do yours look like- clear, red, brown are they raised just curious mine look more purplish pink to me
15 Feb 2011
I am 44 yr old woman & was diagnosed 3 yrs ago. Living in Scotland makes it easier to avoid sun: skin def better at this time of yr. Im lucky to have freckles? so my lesions aren't that noticeable. It's the dry rings that are a pain cos fake tanner can collect in them. A&D ointment not avail in UK. Any other UK based "sufferers" who have any lotions they'd like to recommend? Has anyone tried dry skin creams with urea?
23 Feb 2011
I use a cream you can purchase at bioedgeproducts.com
13 Apr 2011
I have been diagnosed with DSAP through skin biopsy. I have rash with INTENSE itching, hinders sleep. Put on prednisone which helped with itching, but not spots. My mother said dad had a similar rash years ago, was given a low dose of Xanex. The itching stopped and rash disappeared. I tried it. The itching has stopped. I am sleeping again and off prednisone. Rash is fading...after only 3 days. I will start A&D ointment, sounds promising. Has anyone else had results like this?--Linda :)
21 Apr 2011
Hello all, About a month ago I went to a dermatologist and had several spots on one forearm and both legs frozen. Does anyone know of a good product to help the cryotherapy marks to heal faster or appear less offensive? Going to try Gold Bond Restore Lotion with Q10 for the DSAP roughness and Heliocare which is a natural supplement that is supposed to act as internal sunscreen. Hope to hear more from everyone here, Having support really helps! -Maureen
21 Apr 2011
Susan F - just read some of your older posts - are you still using the Vitamin A&D Ointment and getting good results?
I am going to try that for sure. I also read that you were spendng time in the sun with sunscreen and you didn't seem to get more posts?
Would love to hear more about both!
Tanks for sharing that, and for the hope! - Maureen
21 Apr 2011
I have had the worse case of dsap. It runs in my family. My sisters and I have tried everything to lasering off to the creams the Doctors give me. What works the best Gold Bond Body Lotion healing-medicated. The one with green bottle and red cap. Our legs and arms look the best they have ever looked since we started with these crazy spots. I put it in everyday when I get out of the shower and then at night I apply A and D original ointment for diaper rash.
25 Apr 2011
to everyone who says their skin looks the best from a and d or gold bond were yours clear rings or brown and flat with clear rings- mine tend to look purplish pinkish- just wondering sometimes some of mine seem to go dormant and are flat and pale brown hope one day they will all do that I am stopping all treatments and will just use sunscreen and concealer- derm did say solaraze helps so they are not raised and keeps them from turning cancerous as I guess that is what efudex does
27 Apr 2011
I'm 37 and i have DSAP,it runs in the family.I have spots for 5 years on my arms and legs. I'm now using "IMLAN" creme, and i have very good results. It a lotion based on juice from birch. I drink 1 spoon/day of fresh birch juice. It cleans the organism. The spots don't go away but you almost can not see them anymore. You can see the circles but the inside of the spots have almost the same colour of my skin.
01 May 2011
Hi all - is anyone here on the DSAP yahoo group? I have been trying to join and not getting a response from the moderator. Just wondering if it is still active site. Thanks, Maureen
01 May 2011
To Maureen, I have tried as well, but still no respons. it's been 5 days now since i've tried to join the yahoo group. joyce
02 May 2011
Hi Joyce, I tried to join on April 18th and then emailed the group owner on the 21st but no response :-(. If the group is still active I would really like to join. Maybe they are on vacation. Anyone else here know the group owner? Thanks, Maureen
02 May 2011
It's still active, there is a moderator that is nameless but I'll post something to see if she can respond. Colin
03 May 2011
Thank very much Colin! :-) -Maureen
03 May 2011
Has anyone else here tried the flax seed oil and cottage cheese for strengthening the immune system? I found a few posts from the past where folks said that it helped. Have decided to add this to my regime for 3 months and see if it helps to protect my skin this summer. Seems like the auto immune component here might be making us more susceptible to sun damage. Can't hurt anyway! -Maureen
03 May 2011
Has anyone tried red light therapy? It is supposed to help fine lines, scars, and uneven skin tone. It also boosts collagen production. I wondered if I should give it a try since it has no UVA or UVB rays.
04 May 2011
Hello, to the person who posted about the Imlan creme, I see that it is a German product (or at least it is available in Germany - which is great for me as I am in Munich).
Would you let me know which one you used - the "Creme Pur", the "Creme Plus" or the "Lotion Plus"?
Thanks,
Maureen
05 May 2011
to maureen, I use the 'Imlan lotion plus' 2x a day, and the 'creme pur' i put on the worst spots, and they heal really fast!It's not expensive and works really good.My father has dsap for more than 20 years, and he never had anything that worked so good. you should really try it.
05 May 2011
to maureen(2), if you would like some pics of the spots, how they heal, i could send you some foto's if you wish.As i said before they don't disapear but you have to look very good to notice them.And for me that was the most important. joyce
05 May 2011
Hi Joyce,
Thanks so much for the reply. Were your lesions red/pink or more brown already? Many of my spots are quite pink in color. Anything to reduce the redness! If you are ok with sharing pics I would be happy to see them! My email is:
Thanks,
Maureen :-)
05 May 2011
to maureen, my spots are red/pink in color.They where really bad, could never wear dress.2 weeks ago we had a party and i wore a dress and nobody said anything about my spots.For me that's proof that they are really better. send you pics today. joyce
05 May 2011
Thanks Joyce - worth a go! I hope it works for me as well as it worked for you! -Maureen
12 May 2011
OK, really frustrated that I can't join the yahoo group....just sayin'.
12 May 2011
PS that was Maureen ;-)
12 May 2011
hello maureen, I can't join either. still waiting for aprovel. How is the imlan working? do you see any difference? joyce
12 May 2011
Hi Joyce, Yes I think the moderator of the group is busy and not online so much. :-( It's been 6 days and I think I am starting to see some reduction is redness. My skin is definitely soft though! You said to expect it to take a couple of weeks right? I already went through one whole bottle of lotion and one tube of the creme pur by applying twice a day...think I am overdoing it???? ;-) Maureen
12 May 2011
hey maureen, my first botle was also gone in a few days, but now I think use 1 botle every 2 weeks.The creme I just put one the worst spots, so they heal faster.I'm now on my 2e tube.Still very happy:-)!hope it last...
12 May 2011
to maureen(2): I saw a big change after about 2/3 weeks. And they keep fading,even now I just had a new spot coming, very red,6 days of creme and you almost cannot see it anymore.And as you say, the skin is very soft :-)
12 May 2011
Hello, I am a member of DSAP yahoo group, I just posted asking the moderator to respond to pending requests to join. Hope she does! Steph
13 May 2011
Hi Steph - thanks for doing that!! I think Colin also tried. I think she must be very busy or away...or we are just not cool enough for the clique ;-) -Maureen
13 May 2011
Hi Joyce , Great to know - a looking forward to the next two weeks. FINGERS CRSOSSED that I see the same results. I took some before pics and will take more after week 3 to compare and will be happy to share with you if the results are good. Mary from this site is also trying a US version of the creme and also is trying to mix her own using betulic acid and we are comparing notes. Will be a great experiment to see if both work or one is better. Will keep you all posted! -Maureen
14 May 2011
Maureen, Do you know the name of the US version of the Imlan creme? I live in the US and would love to be able to try this. Any information you can share is GREATLY appreciated. Thanks. Sheila
16 May 2011
Hi Sheila and anyone else interested: This site has a product with the same active ingredient as Imlan (Betulin) which seems to only be available in Europe. The site is in English and definitely ships to the US: http://www.ecamellia.com/Hypoallergic_Birchen_Cream_with_Betulin-176.html (cont)
16 May 2011
(con) I also found this: http://www.skinactives.com/betullinic-acid.html Which looks quite promising. Might be a more concentrated form of the Betulin? If anyone tries these please let us all know how it works! -Maureen
16 May 2011
To maureen, just come from dermatologist, she was surprised of the condition of my skin :-),i talked to her about the topical tacalcitol,she read about positive responses for dsap.I have a prescription now,will start tonight, maybe together with imlan, the spots will disappear.Have to take helio-care aswell.keep you posted!
16 May 2011
Hi I was diagnosed with DSAP in Jan this year after 3 years of Daktarin and other fungal treatments were prescribed. I am 42 live in NW UK and have stayed out of the sun all my life as I just used to burn. It is so ironic that after spending years
16 May 2011
with nicknames like snowflake milk bottle and albino I now have a desease arising from sun exposure. No relatives in 3 generations have had it. Didn't believe it at first but my lesions are getting more pronounced and redder. Thank you for the DSAP site that brought me here and gave masses of previously unknown information and advice.
16 May 2011
My dermatologist directed me to the NZ site but its not much help for me here in the UK. I've just had a trial area frozen - will let u know. I am a walker and climber so can't keep out of the sun so will buy the 100 SPF suggested. Anyone know of any creams or treatments available in the UK that have worked to slow down growth or reduce redness? As a false tan user I will try the concealed trick. My name is Angela by the way nice to meet you.