Skin Health Series: Maralyn's Story
What is your name?
My name is Maralyn.
What is your skin condition?
Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly patches. It is characterized by a large number of small, brownish patches with a distinctive border, found most commonly on sun-exposed areas of the skin (particularly the lower arms and legs).
DSAP usually starts during the third or fourth decade of life and rarely affects children. Lesions generally are more prominent in the summer and less prominent in the winter.
While it is usually benign (not cancerous), squamous cell carcinoma or Bowen's disease may occasionally develop within patches.
DSAP may be inherited in an autosomal dominant matter or may occur sporadically (in people with no family history of DSAP). Some cases are caused by a change (mutation) in the MVK or SART3 genes.
Source: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/8503/head-and-neck-squamous-cell-carcinoma
How does your skin condition affect your day-to-day living?
I suffer from this condition and have found that keeping my skin covered with UV protective clothing has made a huge difference.
This condition is unsightly, but the other thing about it is that each lesion is like a little ulcer and is itchy and unsightly and takes several months to stop being uncomfortable. I went once to a Skin Cancer Clinic and had 120 burnt off in one sitting. Not fun.
What you have found to alleviate it?
I am now coping really well wearing my Solbari tops.
