Just diagnosed...

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Originally posted by Peter

I'm a 28 year old guy. For years, I have had problems with the skin on my arms - redness, pimples (which of course, I scratch and make worse). It's made my life hell as it's embarassing and I try and hide it with long shirts, not swimming, being uncomfortable around girlfriends, etc.

Yesterday, a skin specialist finally diagnoses KP and I do a little search on the net to see if what he told me is true. Through sites like this, I find I'm not alone and my symptoms (and reactions) are classic!

This site is now going to be one of my favourites - going to start trying the doctors suggestions and also those of others here.

I see that there's currently no cure despite the number of sufferers - it must be an unglamorous condition for companies and doctors to work on...

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Originally posted by Manny

Peter,

It sounds like you and I have a similar story. I am 29 and have had this skin disorder since I was a child. I was diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago. I recently just found this site as well (approx. 2 weeks ago) and just started reading the Message Board today. There are many good suggestions in this web site. The only thing I know for sure is that you are not alone. I found some comfort in knowing that there are other people that understand what I am going through. Over the past two years, I told myself that I was not going to let this disorder stop me from doing the things I want to do/try. Don't get me wrong, I am very sensitive when it comes to this disorder, but you only live once and I plan on living it to the fullest. I know some of my friends have noticed the disorder but don't say anything. After reading the information on this web site, I plan on talking about it more openly when/if they ask and refer them to this site. If they are really my friends then they should understand.

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Originally posted by twinspeak

I think it's really great that you guys are speaking up. For the longest time I just assumed that this condition wouldn't affect a man's phsyche as much as a girl's simply because girls are supposed to be the pretty ones with perfectly smooth, soft skin, perfect hair, blah, blah. It actually never occurred to me that guys would even take the time to notice it on another guy. But I guess they do. Even if I didn't have this myself it honestly wouldn't bother me if a male partner had it. It always surprises me when people seem to be so stunned when they encounter this condition. I can honestly say that I see at least one person a day with this affliction. I think how we deal with this depends a lot on individual personalities and whether or not we actually care what other people think. Obviously most of us do, includig myself, but I know there are some of us out there who just don't give a s**t. I would love to be one of those people, but I'm not.

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Originally posted by Peter

Thanks for the comments. Seriously, it affects guys as much. Aren't all guys meant to have a six pack nowadays and have a model physique?!!
A couple of girls I knew were put off by it so I guess that made it worse for me - self esteem took a knock. Wearing T-shirts, short sleeves, etc has been a no-no as I've been so self-conscious about it and now that I know what it is, I can deal with it and tell people about it if they ask

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Originally posted by Sara

Even though I'm a girl, I can relate to you. Whenever I'm with someone of the opposite sex, I feel undesirable just because of my skin. It's not fair! Anyway, bless you.