BLACK SKIN AND KP- ANYONE OUT THERE?

[Archive]

Originally posted by Denise

There seems to be specific issues relating to black skin and KP,
like hyperpigmentation and scarring from harsh exfoliating (possibly keloids).
Has anyone experienced that problem? And how do you manage your KP?
I've tried a number of things: Lachydrin (useless), Uremol 20 (I think it's the equivalent
of Carmol in Canada - urea based - (no improvement), Accutane (uncomfortable,excessive shedding of skin and
lips and yet the bumps emerged intact!), Ultraviolet rays in a cabin (useless!) I'm at my wit's end!
I'm allergy-prone (eczema flare-ups, skin reactions to certain drugs) and I have a tendency to
develop spontaneous keloids (another skin problem without a medical cure!), which is why I am afraid
of all that intense scrubbing. I just ordered 50 % Glycolic Peel from Lachaderm. Haven't started yet and I plan to
do a patch test first before applying it everywhere, since side affects tend to be
catastrophic with me in terms of hyperpigmentation and keloids.
Those of you with dark skin who are consulting this site at present times,
any suggestions?

[Archive]

Originally posted by Black female with KP

Hello glad to see I am not alone. I, too need help in what to use, my legs look terrible. Can you help.

[Archive]

Originally posted by Denise

I'm not being particularly successful in managing the kp
myself, unfortunately. I've tried a lot of things unsuccessfully.
How are you doing with the exfoliation in the shower? Is it creating problems
for you in terms of scarring? I just bought a 50 % glycolic peel lotion only to find
out that it's to be avoided on black skin because of risks of scarring and hyperpigmentation!
(although, it seems to help Erika quite a bit, judging from her post... Maybe if you're not
prone to keloids and scarring and that your skin is not too sensitive, you might benefit from it
after all. Management of kp seems to be a case by case thing). Some of the advice in this board and other sites may not be very well adapted to our skin. I wouldn't
advise you to try Brynn's concoction either. It's probably way too strong for us and we might end up with
more than we bargained for! Believe me, I know how you're feeling. I've been dealing with this since I was 16 and it's taking
a toll on me emotionnally. Take a look at JC's reply, dated August 9. The comments seem to be pretty accurate and
It might give you some insight.
Right now, I'm using Body Clear Body Scrub by Neutrogena (it has salicylic acid)in the shower; I scrub with a loofah glove
(I try to be gentle with the scrubbing, though, because I'm afraid of potential scarring)
and Neostrata Body Lotion 10 % glycolic acid as a moisturizer. I just started, so I'll have to wait a while before I can tell you
if it's worked for me or not. I've already tried Lachydrin for years (didn't do a thing for me) and Uremol 20 (which I think is equivalent
to Carmol in Canada; both are urea-based (didn't work for me either, although it's a great moisturizer for the dry skin that is not affected by kp (not yet anyway!
I'm terrified that this thing might spread to my face one day). I tried Accutane a few years back, which peeled my skin and lips off horribly for weeks without affecting the bumps! It would peel the
skin around the bumps, for some reason. And on top of that, there's a lot of controversy surrounding Accutane (cancer, birth defects...) As for the dark spots, personally, I think I'm allergic to hydroquinone, so
that's out (I once tried the fade cream from Black Opal on a few dark spots and it was so harsh that the skin started to crust and I had to discontinue use. I noticed an ad for a kojic-acid based lightener on DermaDoctor.com
that might help if you're also allergic to hydroquinone.
I might give it a try eventually if I manage to flatten those bumps a little. In the meantime, I'll keep consulting this board and keep you posted on any new developments. Please do the same! It's nice to
know you're out there!

Take care

[Archive]

Originally posted by Denise

I found a california-based Web Site specialized in skin care for people of color.
The site features two articles on kp with an emphasis on dark skin and offers mail-order
skin care programs for customers not residing in california. You might be interested in contacting them
by e-mail, fax or phone for further info.
It's www.solutionscenter.com/
It seems very interesting but pricey (they sell programs adapted to your specific skin problem
rather than individual products per say. It's worth a look and if anyone has tried their programs
already, could you let us know how you rate the efficiency? The programs are pricey.
already, reply to this post for comments on products

[Archive]

Originally posted by chew

Hi Denise, Wish I could offer suggestions but, I've just started treating my KP upon finding this website, although I've had KP all my life and it's gotten worse with age. Brynn's mom treatment is inexpensive so I'm going to try that. Already trying 2% SA and that's doing nothing, Brynn's is only 3%, so I'll see. If I find anything related to black skin I'll keep you posted. Chew