Title: pigmentation
Post by: katy on March 31, 2003, 11:33:24 PM
Hello My names Katy,I'm a new member and very desperate for some help and advice I realise you are not doctors,but maybe someone out the has had my problem and can give me some advice.
I hace brown patches on my face and my doctor has told me they may be a side effect from the contraceptive pill,but that is just a possibility.I don't want to change my method of contraception but i'm willing to if these brown patched diassappear my doctor doesn't seem to know a lot and theres just no way I can afford to see a dematologist.
My second problem is my eyelid is comes up slightly swollen and is very flaky and dry,is comes and goes lately it feels itchy,it looks like a blister but i know its not,because it comes and goes by the time my appointment tfor the doctors arrives after a few days it's gone.It's horrible and I'm ashamed as at first glance it looks like i have been punched.
I realise you are not doctors but if you could give me a few possibilities as to what you might think they are I'd be very very grateful.
I suffer from excema and psorisis and i know it isn't either of these.
Any help would be very appreciated.
katy x x |
Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: peterb on April 01, 2003, 06:55:06 AM
Katy a big welcome to the Forum, I think your doctor is correct about the brown patches on your face, I found this, that might be of interest.
Pigmentation caused by oral contraceptives
Question :
I am currently taking the contraceptive pill Levlen ED and have noticed brown patches appearing on my face. Is there any way I could fix this problem or would a lower dosage of the pill be more suitable for me? If this is the case once I change pills will these brown spots disappear?
Answer :
The brown patches you have observed on your face are known as chloasma or melasma. Chloasma occurs quite commonly in women taking oral contraceptive tablets, including Levlen ED. The skin pigmentations or brown patches usually develop slowly and may be noticed shortly after starting the tablets, or may occur after many months.
Generally when chloasma related to the use of oral contraceptives is experienced, cessation of the oral contraceptive tablet is advised. After cessation the chloasma usually fades, however this is a very slow process, and even after a year some discolouration of the skin may remain.
If stopping the oral contraceptive tablets is unsuitable, some of the following options may assist in minimising the extent of the chloasma. An oral contraceptive tablet with a lower dose of hormones is less likely to cause, or worsen, the chloasma. Levlen ED contains the oestrogen ethinyloestradiol 30 micrograms, and the progestogen levonorgestrel 150 micrograms. Levlen ED is considered a low dose oral contraceptive preparation, however recently oral contraceptive tablets with even lower doses have become available. Two such products are Loette and Microgynon 20 ED, which each contain 20 micrograms of ethinyloestradiol and 100 micrograms of levonorgestrel.
Also advisable is to avoid exposure to sunlight, as sunlight is known to aggravate chloasma. Application of a sunscreen (with an SPF of greater than or equal to 15), and wearing hats whenever outdoors will assist minimising your exposure to sunlight.
If the skin pigmentation persists, there are creams available that may be applied to the affected skin. These include topical preparations that contain hydroquinone, tretinoin, azelaic acid or glycolic acid. A facial glycolic acid peel performed by a suitably experienced doctor may also be beneficial.
Consulting with your general practitioner may assist your decision as to which of your options are most suitable. Your GP may also refer you to a skin specialist if necessary.
I see you suffer from *P and *E, are you sure it is not these effecting your eyelids, maybe some other members may know more. But you said it goes by the time you have a doctors appt, wondering if it can be stress related.
Well dont forget to pop in often, there are some great members here, check some of the other boards out. :) |
Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: juliep on April 01, 2003, 08:40:34 AM
I had chloasma when I was pregnant and it took about 2 years to fade but it has gone completely. Try and avoid perfume on areas of the skin exposed to light cos this can actually set it off.
As for your eye, have you changed anything that you use on your face, like make-up or soap? Otherwise you need to discuss with your doctor arranging so that you can see him without an appointment when your eyelid is infalmed
other than that - hello :hi: and welcome, hope you find loads of info (and fun) here
julie |
Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: Vix on April 01, 2003, 08:38:02 PM
Hi Katy, and welcome :hi:
I just wanted to let you know that I too had the 'brown patches' while on one brand of the pill. Once I changed it went pretty sharpish. Maybe just changing your pill brand and not abandoning that method of contraception altogether is an idea you could discuss further with your Doc.
Hope my 2p's worth helps!
Vix X |
Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: Nick on April 01, 2003, 08:42:14 PM
Hi there Katy :hi:
A big welcome to SC ;D
I reckon Peter has probably got it right, but can I throw in a few other suggestions to think about?
Your patches are brown so there's a possibility that it might be a form of Capillaritis like some of the following:
Schamberg's disease (progressive pigmented purpura).
This is the most common type of capillaritis. Crops of red-brown flat patches with cayenne pepper spots on their borders appear for no apparent reason. Although most common on the lower legs, Schamberg's can arise on any part of the body. It is usually irregularly distributed on both sides with few or many patches. There are no symptoms.
Itching purpura.
This appears similar to Schamberg's disease, but itches.
Gourgerot-Blum (pigmented purpuric lichenoid dermatosis)
This form of capillaritis is less common. The patches are thickened and itchy, rather like eczema.
Majocchi's purpura (purpura annularis telangiectodes).
In this condition there are dilated capillaries as well as brown patches and cayenne spots. The patches gradually spread outwards.
Contact allergy.
Capillaritis has been reported to be due to khaki clothing dye and rubber. It only affects skin in contact with the responsible material.
Lichen aureus.
Lichen aureus is a solitary brown-yellow patch that is very persistent. It often overlies a varicose vein.
It's just a thought. Hopefully it will be the contraceptive that's giving you a hard time and Peters message will prove to really help, I certainly hope so :)
As for your flakey eye lid?
Snap !
I get the very same symptoms. Mine is 100% psoriasis related.
When I get stressed out ny facial P goes bananas and my eyelids start by going red, then they swell a little, flake up and then subside witin a few days.
So when I get a flare I look more like the creature for the Black Lagoon !
Yeah yeah ! I know ! NOTHING KNEW THERE THEN :lol: :roll:
I tend to let it ease on its own as I have a bit of a phobia about my eyes and don't like taking any chances with potions and lotions.
Well I hope that helps, I think Peters certainly will :up:
It's great to meet you, be sure to take care and let us know how you get on :hug:
Good luck ;) |
Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: Goldilocks on April 01, 2003, 10:55:48 PM
:hi: Katy,
Welcome to our forum ;D
Think you have had some good advise already. Just remember because you already have 1 type of *P *E doesn't mean you can't get another type. I hope that's not the case, but don't dismiss the idea, get it checked.
Keep us informed, looking forward to getting to know you better.
:hug: |
Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: katy on April 02, 2003, 12:23:35 AM
Hello
It' s Katy here again,thank you all very much for your advice I very much appreciate it and I'm very grateful too.
I have taken on board what everyone has said,unfortunaely for me I have so many skin conditions some I was born with and I'm finding I'm developing new ones all the time,but feel very gratful I have never developed acne as with having very dry skin I've never had a spot in my life.
I try to stay positive but it's very hard,but seeing some people especially with acne I feel very fortunate and quite lucky,that time is a healer without any long lasting scars in my case.
There are many reasons people develop,skin disorders in most cases people would rather not talk abou as they are personal,and can stem back to emotional times in peoples lifes,which in some cases why they start,or are there to begin with and flare up so much worse,but if we reconise this we can control it,if not stop it.
Thank you for your advice it's been very helpful.
Katy x |
Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: Nick on April 02, 2003, 12:08:52 PM
[quote author=katy link=board=3;threadid=1867;start=0#msg21587 date=1049243015]
Thank you for your advice it's been very helpful.
Katy x
[/quote]
Hey there Katy
There's no need for any thanks in here :shake:
We all share the same feelings, frustrations and worries :nod: so we have a good idea what you mean. And that's why we're here, hopefully to help and give a little bit of support to each other and also for other sufferers and their families :bighug: |
Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: Goldilocks on April 02, 2003, 01:33:30 PM
Yep Katy, as Nick say's the 'T' word isn't needed round here. :shake: In fact it's a little bit like swearing :nod: :lol:
No matter how many conditions we have, it doesn't make things any easier to deal with when they jump up and bite. I understand that myself as I also have a few, although not skin, I just have the p.p.
[quote author=katy link=board=3;threadid=1867;start=0#msg21587 date=1049243015]
There are many reasons people develop,skin disorders in most cases people would rather not talk abou as they are personal,and can stem back to emotional times in peoples lifes,which in some cases why they start,or are there to begin with and flare up so much worse,but if we reconise this we can control it,if not stop it.
Katy x[/quote]
Very true Katy, that's why this place exsists, so we can actually talk to others with similar problems. The support and understanding here, has been a life line for many of us. :nod: ;) The friendship, is a great bonus too. ;D |
Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: Vix on April 02, 2003, 08:11:11 PM
Not a problem Katy, only glad we could offer any kind of help.
Vix X :bighug: |
Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: fishs on April 03, 2003, 02:21:59 AM
:hi:
Hi there katy,
Welcome along ..
Looks like there is plenty of things there for you to ponder over and follow up.
Hope you will pop back and lets know how things are progressing and hope you will enjoy your stay with us here .
Not much more that I can add to the mix for you as most has been covered pretty well.
Fish |
Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: Julia1970 on May 19, 2003, 03:46:03 PM
| This post has been removed temporarly by Peterb, while we look into the content of message. |
Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: Nick on May 19, 2003, 08:37:01 PM
Admin Comment:
Peter has pulled the above message due to the fact that Julie 1970 is directly related to the website and product she was selling blatantly.
As per the code of conduct we do not tolerate adverts that mislead members into thinking that a new member is sharing an unbiased opinion.
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Title: Re:pigmentation
Post by: Cazzie on May 20, 2003, 10:23:37 AM
Hey Katy,
Definitely heaps of great advice above. I was just thinking of things you can do to lessen the inflammation on your eyelid. Do you consume many omega 3's in your diet- flaxseed oil helps alot to lessen the inflammation I get from Rosacea on my face. I take 2 tablespoonfuls a day and I buy it from the health shop (it needs to be refrigerated). Also fish oils are great too.
Another thing that I admit I haven't tried yet but will once I get some more cash and can find the product. Alpha lipoeic acid in a cream base is supposed to be great for swelling around the eye area and reducing inflammation overall.
Hope this helps- good luck. We all understand how annoying it is when your skin pops up with something new to think about. I guess we can see it as another twist in the adventures of our temperamental skin- yay! :)
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