1 ) Use a concealer (like Maybelline) for a masking effect before applying sunless tanner.

Applying sunless tanner such that it looks natural is an art that takes a little bit of trial-and-error practice. You will soon discover that DSAP spots, in particular the raised borders, unfortunately absorb more sunless tanner than normal skin. But, you can work around this by using a nifty masking technique.

Start by appling a good amount of concealer (for a masking effect) over problematic DSAP spots. Some of the concealer will inevitably come off as you gingerly pat and then rub in the sunless tanner.

Use sparingly! For the most natural look, don't apply too much sunless tanner. Remove excess with tissue if needed.

From trial and error you will discover that some DSAP spots are still absorbing some of the sunless tanner, in particular the thread-like borders. That's when following up by using wet tissue tips to remove some of the sunless tanner from those problem spots is a smart idea. I like to use Scott brand thin bathroom tissue to form fine tissue tips to clean off residule sunless tanner on problematic dsap spots.

Once you're done, wait at least 6 hours or longer for the sunless tanner to do its thing, and then wash off with water. Next, rub in some Apricot Kernel oil to remove the residual concealer.

It takes some practice but I think you'll be impressed with the results from this masking technique! People will not even know that you have this condition, and you will feel better about yourself. It's definitely a moral booster!

Expect to have to repeat this process every 5 days or so if you have NOT been applying sunscreen to go outside. Otherwise, the sunless tanner will shed off faster. Expect to have to repeat the process about every 4 days if you are applying sunscreen to go out and about during your days.

NOTE: There is only one common active ingredient that is FDA approved for sunless tanners. So don't bother paying more for some silly exotic brands. They all use the same active ingredient.

2) Avoid the sun as much as possible! Wear SPF-100 sunscreen when you have to go about your life outside. Short walks of 10 minutes or less are OK. Long walks, not OK!

NOTE: Did you know that you can buy clear car window film that blocks 99.9% of UV rays?

3) DesOwen Cream (generic name: Desonide Solution) DesOwen is a form of steroid. I DO NOT recommend using this drug for cosmetic effect because of the nasty snap-back effect. For post-flouruoracil treatment I was given DesOwen Cream to supposedly speed up healing. But I held on to it for cosmetic purposes. This DesOwen seems to perhaps inhibit blood circulation(?) and thus cause redness to go away. Too bad it's only temporary, and it has a sort of reflex action (when it wears off). A few days after cessation of use (perhaps 2 or 3 days and continuing for about a week) the spots where DesOwen was applied will actually look redder than normal. This reflex action makes DesOwen only worth using on rare occasions. I have noticed that this DesOwen stuff has diminishing effectiveness if you try to use it continuously. Each time I use DesOwen it has less effect and takes longer and more applications to hide the hyper pigmentation of DSAP. By the 3rd or 4th time I use DesOwen (every other day) it doesn't seem to really be WORTH using anymore. But I nevertheless hold on to this Desnowen stuff to use when I REALLY need to wear short sleeves (at night or INDOORS of course!). I only use DesOwen once in a long while when I absolutely need to look normal. I apply it about 15 hours before I need to wear short sheeves, then again about 7 hours and 4 hours before. The result is that I look totally normal for a night - and sometimes 2 nights! If you wish ask your doctor for a prescription. If he says "no" then try another doctor or maybe attempt to order online if possible.

Keep in mind that 15% of DSAP patients have it on the FACE. Why chance it if you have DSAP on legs and /or arms? It's worth wearing SPF-50 sun screen on your face too. If you insist on living in hot climates then consider becoming more of a night owl. ALSO: you are being exposed to ultra-violet rays from just reflective sunlight beaming into your living room! I've read that everyday healthy people actually show signs of aging from years of merely being exposed to REFLECTIVE sun light in their living rooms! So draw the shades when you're indoors too. If all of this seems extreme just consider that many dermatologists will tell you that you should be doing this ANYWAY. Before sunscreen was invented (1940's?) people HAD to wear long-sleeve shirts when outside for extended periods of time. 

I can't stress how important it is to avoid the sun (or at least use full protection) and NOT wait for more trouble! Just because it may have taken you 30 years to develop 10 DSAP spots doesn't mean that it will take 30 more years to develop 10 more spots. Your skin has reached the end of it's rope.

Your body naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Since you will be avoiding the sun, don't forget to compensate by taking vitamin D supplements. Also take Vitamin K. Research suggests that increasing one's intake of vitamin D without enough vitamin K can cause an increase in calcium levels without the ability to use it effectively, which raises the risk of depositing calcium in arteries and soft tissue.

Reader recommendation: "Sally Hansen Air Brush Legs (spray on panty hose) – this works MUCH better for me than self tanners. Does not sweat off during the summer months. Plus, it does not make spots darker. Apply a moisturizer, and then use the Air brush legs. I can't spray evenly, so i spray in my hands and rub it on my legs. It washes off in shower, but you have to use soap to remove it. Very little smell with this as compared to a self tanner. You can purchase this at Walgreens. I think Amazon sells a similar product, but I have not tried it. I use Cetaphil lotion every day. This is a really good moisturizing lotion. Daily use of this has really helped me, especially my legs. I use this and the Air Brush legs together during the summer."