Skin conditions

A decade ago, Chiller et al. concluded, “The skin is a poor media for bacteria given the large number of inherent defense mechanisms.”¹⁾ This assessment was undermined seven years later by Fierer et al.’s work, which found that the average human palm harbors at least 150 bacterial species – an order of magnitude greater than previous estimates.²⁾ A 2009 Science study expanded on this understanding of microbial diversity in skin, showing that forearms and underarms, though located just a short distance apart, are as “ecologically dissimilar as rainforests are to deserts.”³⁾ Trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and small arthropods colonize the skin surface, collectively comprising the skin microbiome.⁴⁾ One prominent researcher called human skin a “virtual zoo of bacteria.”⁵⁾

Novel insights are being revealed about the extent to which skin microbiotaThe bacterial community which causes chronic diseases - one which almost certainly includes multiple species and bacterial forms. affects health. For example, odors produced by skin microbiota are attractive to mosquitoes as shown by in vitroA technique of performing a given procedure in a controlled environment outside of a living organism - usually a laboratory. studies, and variation in bacterial species on the human skin may explain the variation in mosquito attraction between humans.⁶⁾

• atopic dermatitis
• edema (swelling)
• lumps
• lupus pernio
• odor
• psoriasis
• rash and itching (pruritus)
• shingles
• vitilligo

4. Differential mRNA expression of antimicrobial peptidesBody’s naturally produced broad-spectrum antibacterials which target pathogens. and proteins in atopic dermatitis as compared to psoriasis vulgaris and healthy skin. Gambichler T, Skrygan M, Tomi NS, Othlinghaus N, Brockmeyer NH, Altmeyer P, Kreuter A. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2008;147(1):17-24. Epub 2008 Apr 30. PMID: 18446049 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Related citations Remove from clipboard

The role of antimicrobial peptides in human skin and in skin infectious diseases. Schittek B, Paulmann M, Senyürek I, Steffen H. Infect Disord Drug Targets. 2008 Sep;8(3):135-43. Review. PMID: 18782030 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The skin symptom of vitilligo has been reported by persons on the MP. Some have reported improvement while on the MP. It may simply be another symptom of autoimmune disease.

• Autoimmune aspects of depigmentation in vitiligo
• Subcutaneous sarcoidosis associated with vitiligo, pernicious anaemia and autoimmuneA condition or disease thought to arise from an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body thyroiditis
• Cutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases
• NALP1 in Vitiligo-Associated Multiple Autoimmune Disease: Conclusions DNA sequence variants in the NALP1 region are associated with the risk of several epidemiologically associated autoimmuneA condition or disease thought to arise from an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body and autoinflammatory diseases, implicating the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of these disorders.

Link between thyroid autoimmunity and acne uncovered By Helen Albert 06 May 2011 J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2011: Advance online publication MedWire News: Women with acne may be more likely to have thyroid autoimmunity than healthy controls, suggest study results. Thyroid hormones are thought to have an effect on the sebaceous glands, but the role the thyroid gland and its hormones may play in the pathogenesis of acne is not entirely clear. Theognosia Vergou (Athens University School of Medicine, Greece) therefore investigated whether 107 adult women with acne were more or less likely than 60 healthy controls to have a dysfunctional thyroid. The women were aged 24.5 years on average. Following measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) and various thyroid hormones and antibodies, the team found that significantly more of the women with acne had raised (>40 U/ml) antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG) than the controls, at 25.2% versus 8.3%. This translated to a significant 3.89-fold increase in risk for having high levels of anti-TG in acne patients versus healthy controls independent of age. Of note, all except one of the women with acne and high-TG also had higher levels of CRP than the median value for all the acne patients of 0.57 mg/dl. Levels of other thyroid hormones and antibodies, namely, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T3, free T4, and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, did not differ significantly between the two groups. Thyroid ultrasound findings were also similar between acne patients and controls. “One possible mechanism that could explain the observed associations would be through the involvement of cytokinesAny of various protein molecules secreted by cells of the immune system that serve to regulate the immune system.,” suggest the authors, as they have been implicated in both the pathogenesis of acne and in autoimmune thyroid disease. “Despite the fact that we did not have the opportunity to measure cytokineAny of various protein molecules secreted by cells of the immune system that serve to regulate the immune system. levels in our patients, one could speculate that the observed association of anti-TG autoantibodies with the presence of acne in adult women might point to an involvement of the inflammatory process in both entities,” they say. “It is likely that thyroid autoimmunity might be more frequent in the adult acne patients … and this should be kept in mind when screening adult women with acne,” conclude Vergou and co-authors in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. MedWire (www.medwire-news.md) is an independent clinical news service provided by Springer Healthcare Limited. © Springer Healthcare Ltd; 201

Cutaneous immunopathologyA temporary increase in disease symptoms experienced by Marshall Protocol patients that results from the release of cytokines and endotoxins as disease-causing bacteria are killed.

The body of folks with systemic Th1 infection severe enough to cause sarcoid granuloma is going to exhibit wierd physical phenomena as it heals. These include spots on the skin which are often red. Although these manifestations can be scary but there is nothing we know which can help you get through the 'Herx' phase of this disease any faster than the slow, steady, bacterial killoff of the MP.

Pigmentation

As the skin recovers from inflammationThe complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or damaged cells. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue., what may remain is skin that is either darker or lighter in color than normal skin. Either condition is usually temporary but it may take months or even years for skin pigmentation to return to normal.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Darker skin that develops at the site of inflammation is called hyperpigmentation may remain in the area that was injured or inflamed. The darker skin will have a mottled appearance or indistinct border.

There are two possible causes thought to be responsible for this sort of hyperpigmentation. When the skin looks dirty brown, it is because inflammation and the healing process deranged some of the cells producing melanin to color (pigment) the skin. If the skin is reddish brown, it may be due to deposits of haemosiderin left behind from red blood cells as the skin healed.

Post-inflammatory Hypopigmentation

Lighter skin found in place following healing from inflammation is called hypopigmentation. It develops because the cells that produce melanin have been injured or destroyed in the healing process.

Care of Hyperpigmented or Hypopigmented Skin

Cosmetics may help cover a discoloration. Use moisturizers as needed and avoid sunlight and extreme heat. Consult your physician if you continue to have concerns.

Lesions on the face that occur or exacerbate when it's cold or windy can be what is called lupus pernio. Lupus Pernio is a skin manifestation of sarcoidosis. Lupus Pernio is not another disease (and is not related to lupus), it's simply a name for the red-to purplish lesions that can appear on the nose, face, ears or hands of sarcoidosis patients. These lesions can occur when the nose, face or hands are exposed to cold or wind, so it's a good idea for sarcies to keep these areas protected from wind and cold. Avoiding exposure to bright lights is also an important preventative measure.

Lupus pernio, first described by Ernest Besnier, is the most characteristic of all sarcoid lesions. Lupus Pernio is a skin manifestation of sarcoidosis. Lupus Pernio is not another disease (and is not related to lupus), it's simply a name for the red-to purplish lesions that can appear on the nose, face, ears or hands of sarcoidosis patients. These lesions can occur when the nose, face or hands are exposed to cold or wind, so it's a good idea for sarcies to keep these areas protected from wind and cold. Avoiding exposure to bright lights is also an important preventative measure.

Sometimes lupus pernio lesions will have an appearance of small “beads” along their edge, especially if the sore is on the rim of the nose. If left untreated, lupus pernio lesions can be disfiguring and cause a patient to feel embarrassed, particularly since they may be noticeable on facial areas so visible to the public.

Like some other cutaneous sarcoidosis lesions, lupus pernio can appear at sites of old scars or trauma.

Lupus pernio lesions, like other sarcoid manifestations in the upper respiratory tract, can be quite resistant to the standard immunosuppressive therapies.

Lupus pernio is said to be the skin lesion most characteristic (a diagnostic indicator) of sarcoidosis, but not all sarcoidosis patients have these skin lesions.

My experience with lupus pernio is that it flares with exposure to light plus cold and wind. I suspect you have still been having a good bit of cool wind and weather in your part of the world. You may need to keep your nose better protected. I know that's hard to do, so if nothing else, you can stay indoors during daytime as much as possible and wrap a scarf around your nose if it is cool or windy.

Warning of the risk of scarring, whether on the skin or in the lungs, is a common tactic to pressure patients to use the treatment a physician prefers. Lupus pernio has a reputation for being difficult to treat. In reality, the doctor has no way to know whether you will scar. Certainly I sustained no scars from my winter bouts with lupus pernio.

Belinda, MarshallProtocol.com

Skin rash

This article by a practicing dermatologist explains that both “specific” and “non-specific” skin lesions are found in sarcoidosis, explaining, “Specific skin lesions are generally associated with chronic disease and demonstrate noncaseating granulomas in the dermis on histological examination. Nonspecific skin lesions are seen primarily with acute disease and noncaseating granulomas are absent.”

Erythema nodosum

Erythema Nodosum is a common manifestation of acute sarcoidosis.

Subcutaneous Nodules

Subcutaneous nodular sarcoid lesions are sometimes called Darier-Roussy sarcoidosis, named for the French physicians Darier and Roussy who described these subcutaneous nodules in 1904.

Skin tags

Here is a photo of skin tags.

According to this source, alternate names for skin tags are: * Acrochordons * Papillomas * Soft fibromas * Pedunculated (this means they are on a stalk) * Filiform (this means they are thread-like)

“Skin tags develop in both men and women as they grow older. They are skin coloured or darker and range in size from 1mm to 5cm. They are most often found in the skin folds (neck, armpits, groin). They tend to be more numerous in obese persons and in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus.”

Sarcoidosis manifests in a wide variety of skin lesions. You can find links to photos of cutaneous sarcoidosis on this SarcInfo thread. Here is a photo of sarc lesions around the eye.

Lesions

Some of the types of skin lesions encountered in sarcoidosis, and the other diseases these resemble are: Papules (little bumps) resembling Granulomatous rosacea Acne Benign appendageal tumors

Plaques resembling Psoriasis Lichen planus Nummular eczema Discoid lupus erythematosus Granuloma annulare Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma Kaposi's sarcoma Secondary syphilis

Lupus pernio resembling Scar Discoid lupus erythematosus (more info on lupus pernio can be found in a later post)

Erythema nodosum resembling Cellulitis Furunculosis Other inflammatory panniculitis

Sarcoid skin lesions can be painful, itchy, oozy or dry and peeling. They can also make your hair fall out. You can find more information and lots of pictures of skin sarcoidosis (to compare with your rashes) in the thread “Skin Sarc, What Does it Look Like?” or Images of cutanenous sarcoidosis.

Ive been on the MP now for 1 year this month. I have skin lesions on my face and i noticed them get better, texture and inflammation wise, when i started the the first meds, olmersartan and then the first antibiotic. Now texture has greatly improved, lesions were very dry, inflamed and flakey and hurt alot when touched before starting MP. A few months ago i noticed, not only have they impoved in texture but some are actually starting to fade on some sides. I've gotten a few new lesions since starting but there also improving. None have actually completely gone or disappeared but i think now there starting to show signs of great improvement ahead and i feel that from the improvements i have witnessed that they will fade away and leave no marks, some time in the near future. I havent yet reached the the optimal level of all antibiotics yet but hopeful will in November and then stay at that optimal level for the next 12-24 months, so im sure i will see more improvement and disappearance of the lesion.

sd, MarshallProtocol.com

The lumps under my skin are worse. Will the MP make them go away?

Q: I have noticed additional granulomas forming and they seem to be getting larger (just under the skin) and very painful. Will the formation of these stop while on the MP? Sure hope so. I am not going to get any more injections into the sites because that seems to only have more form within just a month or two.

A: Firm, tender lumps under the skin are usually called nodules. Sarcoid granulomas are microscopic, but the damage from their formation can become visible.

It is not unusual to experience an increase in subcutaneous nodules when you are Herxing. You should get to a point you see a waxing and waning with this symptom, too. My experience has been that nodules are one of the longer-lived symptoms.

Belinda

For more information about granulomas see Diagnosis in the SARCOIDOSIS thread.

and Why Does the Body Make Granulomas?

“Skin eruptions” is listed in this article as a common adverse reaction to tetracyclines. People on the Marshall ProtocolA curative medical treatment for chronic inflammatory disease. Based on the Marshall Pathogenesis. have reported exacerbation of skin lesions or acne, minor skin rashes and severe cutaneous reactions. These can be similar to previous skin rashes or entirely new.

Dr Marshall says of the skin: “Every Th1 patient has inflammation in their skin. Dr Alan Cantwell observed many years ago that these bacteria loved the sweat glands, and suggested that a punch biopsy ought to be good enough to confirm Th1 inflammationThe complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or damaged cells. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue.. Take a look at:

“Cantwell AR: The Eccrine Sweat Gland as a possible Focus of Infection with Acid-Fast Cell Wall Deficient Bacteria. JOIMR 2003;1(1):1” Shingles (Click on link to see information)

Immunopathology

Since we know that we are dealing with intracellular bacteria in the Th1 diseasesThe chronic inflammatory diseases caused by bacterial pathogens., the logical reason for these 'adverse reactions' when an antibiotic or antibiotic combination is effective is the immunopathology.

Immunopathology is expected to cause fluctuations in your blood tests. It is expected and encouraged that patients on the MP will be monitored by their primary care provider who will order tests appropriate to monitor general health. You may like to ask Dr to keep an eye on your thyroid levels.

This SarcInfo thread, Skin sarc, what does it look like? has many links to photos of skin lesions.

Neurological immunpathology that affects the brain can cause various skin sensations.

Reduce immunopathology

Relief of immunopathology symptoms is obtained by increasing the frequency of Benicar and discontinuing or altering the antibiotic schedule. Please see My immune reaction is too strong. What should I do?

Or you may need to proceed more slowly with lower doses of antibiotics. Let us know if you need help modifying your antibiotics regime or Benicar schedule in order to manage your immune system reactions. I'm eager to get well. How can I speed up my progress on the MP?

Quercetin: may be helpful once established on MP

If your cutaneous immunopathology is tolerable, you can ignore it, or, you may wish to treat it palliatively until it resolves, while continuing the MP.

Over the counter relief of itching

Itching is the most common complaint with a skin rash. Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine that will relieve itchiness. The oral medication causes sleepiness so it might be contraindicated during the daytime but it can be particularly useful at bedtime.

-Over-the-counter topical preparations to reduce itching are sometimes helpful. -Benadryl cream has worked better for some than cortisone cream for just about any kind of skin lesion, whether it's something that “just” itches, or something that is irritated. -If using a hydrocortisone OTC use it sparingly. Tissues treated with steroids do not heal well and all steroids are absorbed systemically.

Prescription oral medication to relieve itching

You may get relief from intolerable itching with Cyproheptadine, a prescription antihistamine with a side effect of drowsiness.

Topical steroids

Topical steroid creams are available OTC and may be needed to relieve intolerable itching. Use them sparingly.

If intolerable itching is not helped by OTC steroid cream, talk to your doctor about a prescription strength topical corticosteroidA first-line treatment for a number of diseases. Corticosteroids work by slowing the innate immune response. This provides some patients with temporary symptom palliation but exacerbates the disease over the long-term by allowing chronic pathogens to proliferate. preparation and use it sparingly.

All topical corticosteroidsA first-line treatment for a number of diseases. Corticosteroids work by slowing the innate immune response. This provides some patients with temporary symptom palliation but exacerbates the disease over the long-term by allowing chronic pathogens to proliferate. are absorbed through the skin and enter the circulation. See for example this report of a person who lost their femoral head joint (hip) due to steroidal cream being applied to the face: http://tinyurl.com/5ebwu

All steroids are bad in high dose - they differ only in their efficacy vs dose characteristics. So if you have to use them, then please do it very sparingly. Additionally, any skin that you apply the creams to will not be doing any healing, as the steroid will heavily suppress the immune system in the region it is applied.

..Trevor..

Itching due to liver disease

I remember when I was a child, my grandma used to tell me not to scratch my skinned knees but to be happy the itching was a sign of healing.

You may not have realized that intense itching can be secondary to liver disease. That doesn't help any with the itching, but I know I got through it by focusing on itching as a sign my liver was getting well.

Here is some interesting information from a researcher who is investigating how liver-related itching is mediated in the brain.

Avoid toxic exposures

I would suggest that the patient ensure that they avoid any other toxic exposure such as cleaning products, chemicalized foods, unnecessary meds supplements etc. plus adjust lifestyle to support the process. ie adequate rest, fresh foods, water. ~Dr. Blaney

The MP will resolve skin problems

It is not just the collagen that returns, but the dermis (the layer under the skin) becomes full and “fatty” (soft) again. ..Trevor..

See also:

Benadryl cream helps the bits that aren't raw. A little hydrocortisone on a few places to make life bearable, but as little as possible. Zyrtec daily helps the itch, especially at night.

Julia, MarshallProtocol.com

The thing that finally calmed my face itch down was washing with soap and water and a cream called Florasone (homeopathic for eczema).

Prugg21, MarshallProtocol.com

I have had a skin rash on my hands a couple of times since starting the MP, that was similar to yours by the sound of it. I found that a low dose of antihistamine helped to reduce the itching. I also used a natural moisturiser containing oatmeal, apparently oats are quite soothing for skin rashes. You can put some oats in a small cloth bag (or an old sock/pantyhose) and put it in the bath, or use it under the shower.

Mel (shadowfeet), MarshallProtocol.com

I have been using a honey & blackberry soap (from Walmart: in the dish soap area for sensitive skin) My skin sensitivity has eased some and the skin issues that I was having on the backs of my knees have disappeared… no more itching!

Gail, MarshallProtocol.com

Sween makes a cream called Atrac-tain which contains urea and lactic acid to gently exfoliate the skin. It works remarkably well to remove crusty tissue and restore smooth skin. Try it on a small area first to make sure you are not sensitive to any of the ingredients. It can usually be purchase at a local pharmacy.

Meg, MarshallProtocol.com

The Body Shop has a dry olive oil mist that comes in a spray mister….I really like it. It's not quite as oily as olive oil. You may want to try it. I got mine online at bodyshop.com .

Joy, MarshallProtocol.com

The chlorine in tap water can be very drying to the skin. You can purchase, for about $45, a charcoal filter for your shower-head which will filter it out. I think it makes a world of difference, you (and anybody else with dry skin) might want to give this a try.

Aunt Diana, MarshallProtocol.com

I had lots of itching and breaking out (skin sarcs) got worse…all herx sxs. Benadryl cream (slathered entire areas) and 2% Ketoconzole cream (treated spots only) worked great to relieve the itching for me…also used Nizoral shampoo for an itchy scalp with total success.

DNStog, MarshallProtocol.com

I've had good results applying Campho-Phenique (for lip Cold Sores) on my raw skin lesions when not able to use Benadryl. This OTC medicine stops the itching and burning fast.

Donna, MarshallProtocol.com

I have several scars on my hands that have turned a little brown some of them even a little red. One of them has been there since I was a kid and it is even starting to level out it used to stick up a little bit. I've had fifteen or more skin tags fall off. I've had small moles disappear and my larger ones are about the size of my small ones. Mine all started improving in the higher up on phase two. I am having all kind of crazy stuff on my skin happen right now dark spots coming and going, rashes, try spots but none of it is lasting more than a couple weeks.

Ival, MarshallProtocol.com

About a month ago I had a mole on my arm just turn to a sort of sludge and dissapear. It felt itchy one day and I just wiped it off with a handkerchief. It left a small hole (about 6mm by 9mm), very clean on the bottom, and that healed up quickly and looks like it will leave no scar. I'm assuming my immune system took a dislike to this mole!

Just FYI, the other two chronic lesions on my arms have also healed since I started the MP (they were sores that scarred up, then they would crack open and bleed spontaneously and then erode to a sore again, over and over for about 3 years) There is a very little scarring there now, but it's just a mark and not the thick knob of scar that it used to form between breakouts. ~Knochen

A few days ago I noticed several small red, raw spots on the side of my face. I wondered how they got there. Only today did I recall that these are at the sites of some tiny moles (I prefer to call them beauty marks).

Carol, MarshallProtocol.com

Hypopigmentation

My experience with skin lesions goes back to when I was age six. I often had temporary hypopigmentation as a result of bouts with rashes.

The healing of your recent outbreak of psoriasis is a plausible explanation for your hypopigmentation. The Merk Manual explains that post-inflammatory hypopigmentation may be a result of healing of certain inflammatory disorders and spontaneous repigmentation may occur. I found that it might take a month or two, but my normal pigmentation always did return. Take heart in the fact that this is not always a permanent condition.

While your skin is still healing, cosmetics can make the altered pigmentation less noticeable. In fact, it's much easier to cover hypopigmentation appearing on the face than if it's on the hands, arms or legs.

I guess you will just have to wait and see, but in the early stages of healing, the hypopigmentation may look as if it is spreading. ~Belinda

Many of the white areas on my skin have disappeared! ~Alayne

Dark pigment changes

the skin color around my jaw line and chin area was considerably darker than the rest of my face, close in color to what I've termed previously as a “pregnancy mask” around my forehead and left eye area. The “mask” became visible during my pregnancy in '73, '74 time frame and never left.

Also need to report that the skin on the knuckles of both hands is real dark in comparison to the skin on my fingers. And the skin on the top of both feet seems to be darker than the skin on my legs.

I had previously reported: Small dark spots have appeared on my lower legs with little grain-like round lumps in them. I felt what I initially thought was an insect bite. My face is developing more pigment changes, likewise. the left side of my face, mainly forehead, brow area down to cheek is the darkest spot. I too have freckles which seem to be fading, now that I've taken a good look at them. ~Toni D

Blue and purple marks

I think you are the only one Ive read about that has the blue marks appear. I had taken 9 mos of doxy before MP and had been off it quite awhile before I relapsed and that was when I had the purple marks come up all accross the back of my hand. Didn't hurt and I hadn't hit my hand. Slowly faded to a brown then go away.

Then I did MP for last two yrs. About six weeks ago I was really pushing to the max herx and had one appear on my wrist near my pulse. It too is now almost gone. I looked online and found some websites that reported people in Europe with Borrellia having this type of skin issue. I remember I may have gotten mine in Spain when I lived there.

I found the explanation of the skin discoloration that can be from 3rd stage borrellia. See this link. I'm sorry that some of the pictures are so graphic but I wanted to show you to make sure your doctor is just thinking the skin changes you are having are just related to Mino. My purple marks occurred on knuckles of lt hand, wrist, very deliniated around the pulse area, toe, near joint and on back near spine. They have occurred pre MP and during severe herx and luckily have faded with MP. I don't know if they occur only in European Borrelia but I may have been exposed in Spain. I think this web info has a number of dermatology research groups connected to it, at least they seem to connect the word Herxheimer to this skin condition. I don't know exactly why they happen but I believe that staying the course on the MP will slowly clear the pathogens that cause this conditions. If your marks are similar maybe your Doc would be interested to look further at a connection to your Lyme. ~Melinda

Bruises, thin skin

Use of prednisone results in “thin skin” which tears and bruises with even slight trauma. This side effect is covered (with photos) in the this Johns Hopkins webpage.

Th1 inflammation can also causes bruises to heal slowly in people who are not on prednisone.

those very itchy, scabby patches are completely gone. ~Adrianne

Bunion

-Ah bunions….I had a beauty on my right foot. Left foot was normal. It's not there any more. It became progressively smaller in the first 18mths on MP. I noticed the burning, redness and pain from time to time but did not pay it much heed. Just thought it was the big toe thing that many complain of on the MP.

I was genuinely shocked when one day lying on the couch with my feet up and there it was….. or wasn't…. just a small bump left to resolve.

It hurt, it burnt and it got angry red from time to time but it went.

You have a bunion? I am sure not for long! ~Scarab

Hemangioma

-In my last report I forgot to tell you the most visible improvement. I have/had haemangioma on my upper legs. Left it is a myriad of threads and spots, difficult to say how much it is decreased. On my right leg it was a big united round spot of about 70 cm2. Now it is about 7 cm2. On my under legs I had some ACA. It diminishes in the same way. ACA is seen in Europe as a very late -after 20 years or more- symptom of Borrelia Afzelii. ~Han.V Netherlands

Nothing contained in this site is or should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by your physician.

  * f90

f91:

Skin products for sensitive skin

Although the skin problem is likely due to immunopathology, as has been said, I wonder if part of the problem might be alleviated by switching ointments/lotions. Perhaps your immune system has temporarily gotten more sensitive to the ingredients in the products you are using and that is worsening things. I have some experience with this from the realm of multiple chemical sensitivities. I did not tolerate things with petroleum products (included in various medicated oinments too), which are in almost everything.

For years, I have been using 100% pure glycerin (from a drug store or health food store). This is the part of many of the best moisturizers that really does the most effective moisturizing. I then add about 1/3 to ½ part water and it makes a nice soothing moisturizer.

Another place with good products for the sensitive is Special Foods (web site: http://www.specialfoods.com and click on products or call 703-644-0991), which has a line of lip balms and lotions that only use beeswax, combined with a variety of oils. Their lip balm is still the only kind I can use and you can’t believe how valuable it has been to me over the years (my lips used to become cracked and bleed etc.. using every other product, until I discovered this).

For a lotion, they may be rather expensive and perhaps there would be other options for hypoallergenic lotions at a health food store if you want to order it (try needs.com) – or just using a hypoallergenic vegetable oil?– you could try more than one option. Also, in case you might have become sensitive to the soap you are using, there is a pure glycerin unscented soap at the health food store that I like called Clearly Natural glycerin soap.

Joyce Waterhouse, Ph.D.

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Trader Joe's has a Liquid Glycerin Soap and also a solid bar of Glycerin Soap. If you have a store near you, take a look for these options. ..Trevor..

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Aubrey Organics http://www.aubrey-organics.com/had some shampoos that I could use in place of soap, and at one point I was tolerating Kirk's Coco Castille bar soap. ~PB, RN

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See Unscented Products for those with MCS MCS improvements

• f91

e248:

The skin symptom Vitiligo may simply be another symptom of your disease. Some of us have had this depigmentation effect, too. We offer these citations for consideration.

http://tinyurl.com/5feur Autoimmune aspects of depigmentation in vitiligo.

http://tinyurl.com/53jp7 Subcutaneous sarcoidosis associated with vitiligo, pernicious anaemia and autoimmune thyroiditis.

http://tinyurl.com/4v47d Cutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases.

NALP1 in Vitiligo-Associated Multiple Autoimmune Disease

Conclusions DNA sequence variants in the NALP1 region are associated with the risk of several epidemiologically associated autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, implicating the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of these disorders. http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/356/12/1216

Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| 24+ years not Dx| MP Aug04

• e248

Another great thing that is happening to me is my granulomatous raised red skin lesions that had covered 80% of by body has literally cleared up. It's flattened out and browned back to nearly my original olive skin colour.

All this has made me contact the skin and cancer foundation of Australia where I originally went and got my diagnosis of Sarcoid 8 years ago. I spoke to them and told them about all this. It flew over there heads but they are willing to see me because my case was very interesting for them at the time and I think they want to know how all this stuff works because I'm the living proof of the MP working.~Simon Elrahi

I had many skin lesions come and go in first year of MP, and just two month ago had a large raised lesion (AK) just slough off and disappear.

P.B., MarshallProtocol.com

I have had some interesting changes in areas where I had sun damaged skin. Particularly my neckline and the backs of my hands. At first, the MP seemed to exacerbate the redness in these areas, especially my neckline. For the first two years the skin was very red and irritated. But recently, I've started to notice it feeling much softer to the touch. There seems to be a new layer of fat making the skin feel much softer and the irritation has disappeared. I find myself constantly wanting to touch this skin it is so soft…it is an amazing difference.

Aunt Diana, MarshallProtocol.com