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Very interesting guest book, and very similar history. I am 51, light skin, hazel eyes, diagnosed with dsap in my mid-40's. I acutally noticed in my early 30's. I have spent my entire life in the southwest. There was a time when they were so 'inflamed' from sun exposure, that they would become red and sometimes bleed. The Dr. I'm seeing now has 'agressivly' treated me by freezing the lesions. Some heal ok, especially those on my arms, but I have struggled with redness and even scarring on my legs. It just doesn't feel like I can get ahead of it because the freezing is gross and ugly, too! I too have tried several creams, and most recently the retin-A, no thank you, that was AWFUL. I,too, find that I do better when I stay out of the sun, but that is practically impossible, so I used sun screen (the best one I have found is the brand No-Ad) every day, cover up, most of the time, use a self-tanner, try to buff the lesions a little. I have recently started using a serum made by Source Naturals called Skin Eternal Serum. I'm very pleased with how much it has helped my skin feel smoother and not so dry and scaley. They also make a supplement called Skin Eternal that I have been taking as well. As with most of you, I continue to look for things to aid this unsightly condition. I will check in this guest book to hear what others are doing.

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Terry~~~ IN REGARDS to your comment. Thanks,I have ALOT of research that coorelates DSAP to medicine that makes one photosensitive. To answer your question about herbal remedies that are also photosensitisers,YES~ There are *MANY * Matter of fact herbs as we know come from plants. Plants are used in drugs ,it is these same drugs that cause photosensitive reactions,or severe phototoxic reactions. The FDA is finally at long last taking heed to these serious adverse events that come from phototoxic reactions. In the next few years you will no doubtedly' here MUCH on this topic~ Thanks again Terry~! "Some Research" comments. Interesting enough to know, I was told that Zinc is supposed to boast your immune system but makes you sensitive to the sun???? So besides prescribtion drugs which can make you sun sensitive, may be there are herbals that can create the same sun sensitive problem.???

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Thanks for the informative website. I share most of the experiences discussed in regard to my DSAP: misdiagnosis, mistreatment, lack of information, etc. I've found a good FNP who knows nothing about DSAP, but will prescribe anything I have researched and would like to try. So far I've tried, Retin-A, Effudex, Aldara, Dovenex, Actinex, Freezing, Topical Steriods. Nothing has helped. The frustrating part is that my lesions aren't as noticeable if I have a tan, but, I know what sun exposure does to the disorder! Terri Shunk

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Carl, THANK YOU for the very informative website. Also my thanks to all those who have contributed their comments and input. I am 44 and started to show a few spots on my lower arms and legs about 2 years ago. I was never a "sun worshipper" since I am very fair (blond hair blue eyes) and would burn not tan. I have probably had 3 severe burns in my life, which were sufficient for me. But I have always liked being outdoors but usually wore long sleeves and pants. To my knowledge no one in my family has shown signs of this disorder. I would think my younger brother (by 2 yrs) would have this since he lived and breathed the beach environment all his younger days (we grew up in VA.Beach). So far I feel I have been very fortunate in my experience, since my first visit to a dermatologist a year ago she diagnosed my condition immediately as DSAP. I have been using a Retin-A (0.1%) treatment sporadically. My arms "seem" to have cleared up but there are a few localized spots on my lower legs that are problematic. My dermatologist has suggested we try freezing these problem spots. However, since reading all the information and comments provided at this website I may just try a single spot and see what results I get first. I will say that I moisturize daily since I have always had dry skin, which is usually worse in the winter and was always worse when I lived in dryer northern areas. I usually use a heavy lotion specifically for "very dry" skin which I put on right after taking a shower with drying off. I believe this acutally helps seal in mositure. Maybe this has helped me.??? Also since my diagnosis I have truly limited my sun exposure, which is difficult at times but is possible. I would like to recommend, especially to the runner, there is a company that makes cloths that eliminates UV ray penetration; unfortunately I can’t find the catalog. But I got the information from my dermatologist. I think they also have a website. I will try to get this info and post it. I was especially intrigued by the "Some Research" comments. Interesting enough to know, I was told that Zinc is supposed to boast your immune system but makes you sensitive to the sun???? So besides prescribtion drugs which can make you sun sensitive, may be there are herbals that can create the same sun sensitive problem.???

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My experience is very similar to yours. Mis-diagnosis, now using Dovonex but not expecting much improvement. I am 71, have had DSAP for 2-3 years. It spreads slowly in areas you call typical. Itching is now minimal. Recently tried Solaraze for several months. Useless.