One complaint of those suffering from disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP), a rare skin disease, is the rough texture of the skin that the lesions create. These roundish little spots are characterized by a thread-like ridge that surrounds the actual spot, making the skin feel rough to the touch.
A few years ago I was getting a massage in a dimly lit room. The massage therapist, who didn’t speak English, was so surprised by the rough feeling of my arms that he exclaimed something in Chinese (probably in disgust) and proceeded to tell me in very broken English what I should be doing to smooth my skin. And he couldn’t help but pick the spots in between the massage. Tip: always make sure you tell your massage therapist, even if it is in mime, about your condition before your actual massage. And be sure to mention that it’s not contagious!
So what can we do to smooth the texture of our skin? Exfoliation is the obvious answer, and there’s much debate over which exfoliation product is the best. But the one that most say is the hands-down best might surprise you– sandpaper!
I must admit, it does sound extreme, sanding down your skin! But numerous DSAP’ers have tried it and say it’s the way to go especially if you want to use self tanner.
Many with DSAP use self tanner to hide their DSAP spots. But if there are raised ridges around the spots, then the self tanner just makes the lesions more noticeable. So, exfoliation of some sort is a must! The drawback is that the ridges do come back in a matter of days, so you have to keep on top of it.
There are two ways you can go about sanding your skin. The first is with actual sandpaper, and the second is with a device like a microdermabrasion kit or a sandpaper type hair removal kit.
We’ll start with the straight sandpaper first. Here’s a breakdown of how it works, what you’ll need and the steps you’ll take if you decide you want smoother skin.
What you’ll need
- Wet/Dry Sandpaper. You can get wet/dry Sandpaper on Amazon or at any hardware or big box store. You’ll want to get a very fine grade. Most people use a 600 grade, but if you have very sensitive skin, you can go for an even finer grade like 800 or 1000 (the bigger the number the finer the grade).
- A rich lotion, like Amlactin. This product has 12% alpha hydroxy so it further helps to exfoliate, while moisturizing.
How you do it
- Choose which coarseness of sandpaper you want. Note that thicker or less delicate skin can tolerate a coarser grade. So on calves you might be able to get away with a 400 grade, but for hands and feet you’ll need a finer grade, like a 800 or 1000. Through trial and error you will discover which grade is best for which body part, everyone is different!
- Take a warm bath or shower so your skin is more malleable. You can stay in the bath or you can get out for the actual sanding.
Wrap a very wet piece of sandpaper around your fingers, and rub it ever so gently on your spot, specifically around the ridges (do not use sandpaper on your face!). At first, apply very little pressure until you can gauge how how hard you can press without irritating. If it feels agitating, even with very little pressure, you may need to use a finer grade. DO NOT sand red spots, as it will make them more red.
- Dry off, and apply your body lotion.
- Caress your smooth silky skin, or better yet, have your partner caress you 🙂
Tips:
- Do one arm and one leg at first to compare to the arm and leg you didn’t do so you can judge the effectiveness of this type of exfoliation.
- Always use a fresh piece of sandpaper each time you follow this procedure. A new piece will be more effective, less friction and less work.
- A gentle touch is key!
Microdermabrasion Kits
Here’s what people have said about using wet/dry sandpaper on their DSAP lesions
“Tried this for the first time today and it’s BRILLIANT!! Makes my legs feel like normal “
“I have to say that it has been the ONLY thing that actually makes my skin smooth. I mean really smooth, like the skin on my rear end and abdomen”
“I have found that keeping my skin incredibly soft and smooth with the wet/dry sandpaper, and well moisturized, has made a world of difference for me. Simply not shirking away when someone touches me, I feel so much more like my old self.”
“The wet/dry sandpaper thing works enough so you don’t have to worry about someone touching your arms or legs & feeling all the roughness.”
Have you tried wet/dry sandpaper?
Have you tried using wet/dry sandpaper on your DSAP spots? If so, please share your results in the comments section below so others may benefit!
It is so nice not to feel alone with this skin problem. Since first reading your site I have started to think my skin could be improved immensely and will be seeking Tazarotene from my GP.
I look forward to reading more and trying sandpaper (wow who would have thought).
Thank you for setting up this group x
Hi Elaine,
ahhh, thank you so much, it’s comments like those that make this worth doing! So glad to be able to share information!
As you try the different ways to manage your dsap, please leave comments as to how it worked for you, as your contribution could help someone else, and leave photos of your spots too, if relevant to the article. The more information the better!
And if you have any questions or ideas, please email me on lorna@dsapinstitute.org
Lorna – I have used sandpaper many times over the years and, while it works, for me it is a pain in the neck. I have found that I need to soak in the tub for quite a while for the best result and I often just do not have the time or the inclination to do so. What really works better for me is lemon juice and sugar. After my normal shower I dip my fingertips into fresh squeezed lemon juice and moisten one leg and then dip my fingertips, still moist with the lemon juice into granulated sugar and exfoliate. I then do my thighs, followed by my forearms, etc. Then I run the shower again just long enough to rinse off the sugar, I pat my skin dry and use my regular moisturizer. I really like Dial 7 Day. This protocol is fast and leaves my skin extremely soft, at least for a couple of days, much like the sandpaper. I have tried other combinations such as lime juice or even the fake lemon juice that comes in a Squeeze bottle, and it’s just not the same. There might be other products that work, but I don’t know what they might be. I just know the acidity from the lemon works well with the sugar and does not dissolve the sugar, much like water does.
Just a head’s up about slathering yourself with lemon and lime juice. Combining the oils from those fruits and sun exposure can result in serious burns because they have the potential to sensitize your skin to the sun. My wife’s hands ballooned up one day after she squeezed a bunch of limes and went out in the sun; my son-in-law had hand print marks on his back from where his father picked him up as a boy on the beach after making margaritas. You might consider just buying some citric acid, as that’s the active ingredient…
https://www.verywellfamily.com/sun-and-citrus-fruits-arent-a-good-match-616635
I just wanted to thank you so so much for putting together this website. I only came across you, a month ago. I, too , began with it around 24 years old , i am now 52 and its been such a terrible way to live . I am in constant communication with a #1 dermatolgist in Boston since its where i live, who will always stay on top of things in case a cure arises or new treatments.
I have tried PDT treatment at the request of him, , it is used for cancer patients so he thought it could possibly help.
It helped a little bit , but not so much as i would of wanted. It helps the more you get it done, however t is also very costly and insurance does not cover it since is considered “cosmetic” really? though our DSAP is not life threatening as cancer, it does so much to our emotional and physical being as well.
Photodynamic therapy or PDT is a treatment that uses special drugs, called photosensitizing agents, along with light to kill cancer cells. The drugs only work after they have been activated or “turned on” by certain kinds of light. PDT may also be called photoradiation therapy, phototherapy, or photochemotherapy.
Depending on the part of the body being treated, the photosensitizing agent is either put into the bloodstream through a vein or put on the skin. Over a certain amount of time the drug is absorbed by the cancer cells. Then light is applied to the area to be treated. The light causes the drug to react with oxygen, which forms a chemical that kills the cells. PDT might also help by destroying the blood vessels that feed the cancer cells and by alerting the immune system to attack the cancer.
The period of time between when the drug is given and when the light is applied is called the drug-to-light interval. It can be anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days, depending on the drug used.
How do we get doctors to really really research and find a cure????? I have spent easily over a $1,000 purchasing Maybelline #110 powder foundation which seems to coverup them pretty well, but of course rubs off at the slightest brush against something.
Do you think if we went nationwide or spoke on any news or television programs someone would reach out and help?
Thanks again for your time.
Hi there,
thanks so much for the kind words and all of the information on PDT.
Have you taken the survey yet? If so please do as that’s the first step in looking for a cure, gathering statistics about those who have the disease. Here’s a direct link: https://www.dsapinstitute.org/help-find-cure-take-survey/
Thanks again!
Lorna
Another skin smoother- Dr. Scholl’s Dual
Action Swedish file. $3.86 online. Course
And fine. Handle makes it easy to manipulate.
Use while skin is dry, then wipe down with
Damp cloth. Apply Eurcerin original healing
Cream.
Try it!
Marguerite
Hi Marguerite, is it this item? it’s the only one Icould find but it’s $12, not $3.86
–Scholl Footcare Appliances Dual Action Foot File
” target=”_blank”>School’s Dual Action Foot File
Baiden Mitten has been such a huge help for me. It’s $50 on amazon but it’s worth it and it lasts forever. It’s basically a sandpaper mitten. It makes your skin feel like normal skin and i’m hoping with use overtime it may even help prevent DSAP spots from surfacing.
Hi Barbara,
How has the mitten been going for you? It’s been a few years since writing on this post and I was just curious if it is still keep them at bay?
I’m 25 and have just recently been diagnosed after noticing the spots a few years ago – it doesn’t look so bad at the moment but I am so nervous about how it will unravel as I get older, and affect my self esteem. I keep having nightmares about it.
It is so great there is a community out here talking about it, so we don’t all have to feel so alone!
Love, Kelly
I have had DSAP for about ten years. The spots on my arms are not terrible, but the spots on my calfs are bad. I’ve decided to take action. I think I will start by exfoliating . I have a question for anyone that has experience doing this… Would shaving my legs help in the process? My spots are raised and seems it may help? Being a guy, I don’t shave my legs, but if it will help the process I will start.
Since I’m female I do shave my legs but I don’t think it helps. In fact, I think it is probably irritating and increases the redness, so to your questions, I don’t think you need to shave your legs to reap the benefits of exfoliation.
I just stumbled upon this link after looking up sanding your skin. I have some weird skin issue that doctors shrug at. The other day I had enough and used a nail filer on my arm. My husband asked if I was really sanding my skin. I was embarassed but this seriously has my akin super soft. I have tried several lotions, potions, herbal treatments etc and nothing compares yo sand paper.
I am a suffer of porokeratosis and need to talk to others that are also suffering.
I myself & daughter have the condition for many years !
No cure so dermatologist say but the condition is very depressing!
Wish we could find something that helps with the embarrassment}
Lie Light Therapy will heal DSAP — it’s been a miracle for me
Blue light Therapy will heal DSAP — it’s been a miracle for me
Ok everyone , listen up I’ve had DSAP since age 30 & it’ got worse thru the next 20 years I am now 52 I hated it & hid from any outings that would require bathing suits or shorts . I was extremely depressed in the summer months & basically stayed indoors & avoided any outdoor fun . But …. recently I went in for Blue Light therapy on my lower legs that had the worse sores & red spots on my body. It is a very painful procedure but well worth it !!!!! My skin is almost flawless now . I’m so excited I’m going back to do my upper legs , arms & my neck/chest area . It’s life changing!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m telling you blue light therapy is the miracle cure for DSAP 🤗
Blue light therapy did nothing for me, alas.
I have tried blue light PDT with levulan and amuluz many times. I found the results differed depending on the technique used to apply the levulan and the length of time the product was left on the skin. I have had my arms, legs, chest, and face done. I only had good results on my face and chest using levulan and pdt when the levulan was felt on for 90min prior to treatment and I felt a burning sensation and had redness after blu-light treatment
Amuluz turned my spots darker.MD’s are using it because it is less expensive than levulan.
side effect was loose stool.
Also I use cerave SA cream daily and it keeps my skin soft. when i don’t use it i get itchy.
I’m at my therapy now in Wv I will let you know how it goes. I’m getting lower legs done today. It is a lond process 2 bours for front and 2 hours for back. Blue u therapy we will see 🤔😔🙂I have tried everything and been to every dr!!! DSAP and didn’t know I even had this tell now!!!
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO BLUE LIGHT OR RED LIGHT THERAPY AND IT WORK THEN CAN YOU NOT BE IN THE SUN? WITH SUNSCREEN BUT I AM A LIFE GUARD SO IT IS A LONG DAY SOMETIME
I am 68 years old and completely bald. I’ve had thick ugly lumps of skin on my scalp for many years. About 6 months ago I came up with the crazy idea of sanding these lumps down with a small emery cloth sanding drum held between my fingers. I continued to doing this for several months, and now my scalp is silky smooth with no lumps whatsoever. I have since used the same technique to remove brown spots and scars on my arms and legs. Maybe not so crazy an idea after all.
I have tried blue light PDT with levulan and amuluz many times. I found the results differed depending on the technique used to apply the levulan and the length of time the product was left on the skin. I have had my arms, legs, chest, and face done. I only had good results on my face and chest using levulan and pdt when the levulan was felt on for 90min prior to treatment and I felt a burning sensation and had redness after blu-light treatment
Amuluz turned my spots darker.MD’s are using it because it is less expensive than levulan.
side effect was loose stool.
Also I use cerave SA cream daily and it keeps my skin soft. when i don’t use it i get itchy.
actually its Ameluz
My dad and I are automotive body specialists, we were messing around the shop and I told him to do this to my back with a 1000 grit sandpaper… Ow
I have had this condition for 50 years no cure yet i go to top doctor in Boston,Mass as you get older it looks awful i put dollar store makeup on legs then its fine but it comes off on my clothes the furniture so not the best thing thank god its not on my face there is no cure
I am just so happy to have found this website and now the tips about sandpaper, blue light, etc! I have had this skin condition for almost 40 years and I too hide out in the summer or cover up so much that people say-what’s wrong with you that you are wearing long sleeves and long pants!? No one would understand unless they too have it.
I will hope for more info and will visit this site regularly.
Thank you so much!
Mary
i only came here cause i used 40 grit sandpaper on my heels to remove friggin reptilian skin and it hurt so i was just seeing whats up
I am 76, first lesions appeared when I was 39. No diagnosis till I was 65! Finally found dermaologist that immediately recognized it as DSAP. Have dx, no treatment. So embarrassing, try to wear long pants, good when I’m public. Has greatly affected my self confidence. Fortunately, my husband was very understanding. He has advanced dementia now and in long term care. Would not wish this on my worst enemy. My daughter has a few lesions, as well as a niece. Not fatal but mentally destructive.
My spots spreading up back of lower legs and front of arms started after being placed on humira. At first they called it humira rash reaction and swapped me to enbrel. I have psoriasis since a kid mainly on scalp but it’s mild. It attacks my joints diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. First off I’ve never been much of a sun person I’ve had a few burns as a kid and adult but far from a sun bather the spots began after using TNF blockers and methatextrate and prednisone all to suppress my immune. HOWEVER my mom, she has had a rare skin disorder on her thigh since she was 3. Steroids burn it. They could never really diagnose it and only recently did a Dr diagnose DSAP for her and she is now 68. I’m 48 and lesions started about 2 years ago but now they seem to be spreading up legs. The lesions are like scars they don’t fade and are small round droplets spread apart but my moms looks like a acid burn up her leg. Anyone have this come out from any med treatments or have autoimmune conditions as well?
Forgot to mention finally seeing top dermatologist who had me use a ointment to distinguish if guttate psoriasis vs DSAP which she thinks it is. I have follow up soon. Thanks