... when I undergo surgery implying general anesthesia (It has happened to me at least half a dozen times these last 4 years), I have PERFECT skin for a week, then it goes back to 'normal' (my daily 'normal', I mean, that is KP all over my body).

I really don't know what is responsible for this reaction, but since I have tried to absorb huge quantities of what's in the infusions (water, sugar and a special mix of vitamins) to no avail, I am starting to believe KP is more psyche/mind-related than just a mere dermatological disease.

At the same time, when I'm in love (I mean really), I have PERFECT skin too, no matter what I eat or apply on my skin.

Has someone come to the same observations? Just curious...

Regards,
WSH.

Wishy,

Interesting observations! I'm sure that like any part of our bodies, skin (including KP-covered skin) is healthier when our bodies/minds are healthy. It can't be all mind related though, not when millions of people have it. Stress will always wreak havoc on the body, including skin. So, it makes sense that being happy = being healthy, and maybe less KP. Not always though. I for one am quite in love right now However, my KP didn't start getting better until I tried Sulphur soap.

I too have noticed this...

I had surgery last October and i was amazed at how clear my skin was afterwards...but unfortunately only for a short period of time. I'm having another surgery this may, i guess it'll be nice to look at clear skin on my arms, only for a few days though

Perhaps the anaesthetic induces paralysis of the mechanism which over-produces keratine. It paralyses everything else, in a way that sleep cannot. Once it has been injected, you can feel the cold of the drug seep up your arm before it hits your brain and you fall asleep - and that cold extends to the skin.

As for love: it hurts, yet I haven't been paralysed by it quite yet!

WOW! i can't believe you posted this! I brought up the same observation a few days ago on healthboards.com's acne forum. i noted how my face was completely clear of acne about a year ago after having minor surgery. I knew immediately that it was from the general anesthetic they gave me in surgery prep. Right after they gave it to me, my whole body's surface went completely dry. My guess is that they give it to you to minimize any complications during surgery (i.e. too much salivation or something). Anyway when I posted this on healthboards.com, another person posted a link to a list of medications that are given to dry up saliva. I'm thinking that they do more than dry up saliva; I think it reduces your sebum production as well.

Here is a link to my post:
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/s...d.php?t=152566

Here is a link to the list of medications:
http://www.lougehrigsdisease.net/als...ailable_fo.htm


Anyway, before, I was very tempted to buy one of these medications (prescription only) online and test it out. Most of the drugs are given not just for reducing saliva, they are also anti-depressants. One person on the message board stated that they were given Amitriptyline HCL for headaches by their doctor (so it doesn't appear to be an extremely risky drug).

As for what they gave me that day at the hospital, I don't know. But I'm sure it's akin to the medications I talked about above.

If anyone knows any more about this please let me know. I'm very interested in trying one of these for my acne AND KP

Seamus

I notice when I wake up in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning my arms are very smooth. It seems as if my KP goes dorment when I'm asleep. Then once I start moving around the dreadful bumps return.

Laura, it happens to me too. It is really very interesting that when I wake up in the morning my skin seems to be very smooth and clear.

Hey Laura & Levant!
Same here... I definitely believe KP has psychosomatic causes. Only consider the amount of people here that have chronic digestive problems - most of the time related to anxiety & nervousness!

Just got my broken nose fixed under general anesthetic last week...i noticed no difference in my skin...and i remembered this thread and made point of examining my skin before and after operation.