Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis: Have you ever broken the words down and figured out what each one actually means? Most people can barely pronounce Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis, much less understand what it really means.
Since it’s a rainy Sunday and I can’t go outside to kayak or any of the other things that undoubtedly makes my condition worse, I will tackle this question.
Disseminated means that it’s all over the body, most people get DSAP on their arms and legs, but it can be on feet, hands, back, shoulders, face and even toes. Areas that are exposed to sun over a period of time have a greater chance of getting DSAP lesions.
Superficial means that DSAP is on the outer layer of the skin. In other words, it doesn’t show up inside of our bodies.
Actinic means that the sun’s ray can alter regular chemical activities in the skin.
Porokeratosis is a skin disorder marked by thickening of the stratum corneium together with progressive centrifugal atrophy. In other words, the changes made by the sun’s rays are seen as flat, rough, dry lesions with slightly raised thread-like rims.
Whatever it means, we are all too familiar with our annoying spots, just thought it would be good if we knew what the acronym actually means.!
To learn more about DSAP click here.
You have done a great research for us DSAP people. I look often over the years to see if anything new for us. I am going to try some of the options others have given
My dermatologist has me using Amlactin which I have done for a couple years. I think, along with heavy sunscreen while in sun I have controlled this, however, I keep getting more in new places.
Thank you for your help.
Marlene
Hi Marlene,
thanks for checking in and you’re welcome! If you have ideas or suggestions on topics you’d like to know more about please let us know!
Lorna
I am so discouraged. I have had spots on my legs for over 12 years. I just noticed them on my arms in he last year. There are to many to begin to count. They are not red but they are rough and I hate them. A few nights ago I was reading and learned they could appear on the face so I looked in the mirror VERY closely…I think they are starting. I’m sure of at least 2 of them on my face. I unfortunatly went on to google images to look at pictures of facial spots and I have been in a severe panic since. I am freaking out like never before and feel very depressed and so afraid. I’m 38 and have 2 young kids and LOVE the beach and out door life. I feel like I’m going to look like a monster soon. I can’t do it. I have ocd a little and i feel it will kill me…at least my ability to live and thrive. I have an appointment in a month for a Dermotologist and feel like I will get brushed off. FREAKING OUT!!!! 🙁 can’t stop crying.
Too much sun will kill you unless you make changes in your life. Up to you to act before it’s too late.