Remember to Schedule Your Skin Checks

"Lower legs take longer" is what they told me week after week. I was actually worried about getting C diff from the three antibiotics they had prescribed. The melanoma was on my lower left back. My BCCs have been all over the front of my body with the trickiest one being on my lower right eyelid. I posted pictures of the Mohs surgery and early results of the reconstructive surgery on this site a few months ago. I've heard about sun exposure on the left side of your face before and it probably explains the SK on my left cheek. It seems like I'm getting more and more SKs on my scalp, and they itch. Only one of the derms I've seen in the past suggested removing any SKs, probably because I have so many of them. The one that did tried to do it in an office surgery and spent a lot of time digging away at it, blood everywhere, and there are still remnants of it. It was a little bigger than a quarter.

I am also blessed with Grover's Disease, which was biopsied at the time of my 1992 melanoma surgery. So, I have a lot of itching from time to time. The best lotion I've found is Eucerin Itch Relief and I take Hydroxyzine, which helps me sleep.

@itchyrich Yes, lower extremity wounds generally take longer to heal due to increased demands/less circulation in the area making it more challenging to provide necessary nutrients and oxygen to the area - even more compromised in cases of diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, other more common conditions as we age.

You've certainly had your share of experience with skin issues. Did you know there's a separate discussion group here specifically for Grover's disease? You may find this helpful, or in turn add some information you've found helpful here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-is-grovers-skin-disease/

Guess I should have mentioned that I have type 2 diabetes as well so that contributed to the slow healing time. I have been signed up for the Grover's Disease group for a few years now, as well as the group on Facebook. The FB group has grown from about 1400 members to over 3000 since I joined, so there must be a lot of GD going around.

@itchyrich Yes sir, diabetes mellitus (DM) can definitely add time to the healing process, especially in the lower extremities. That's due to a few factors: DM can cause narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels resulting in reduced blood flow thereby making it harder to bring oxygen and nutrients to the lower legs and feet - that also makes it more difficult to remove waste products from healing tissues, making the area more prone to infection; white blood cells - which aid in tissue repair healing -may not function as well to provide optimum healing in as quick a manner; high blood sugar levels can damage nerves leading to altered sensation so individuals with DM don't always feel initial signs of injury or infection.

I'm glad to hear you're already involved in support groups for Grover's Disease. While many people think it's similar to eczema, it's actually a different entity and far less common. Have you found the groups helpful - or been able to pass along helpful information yourself in those groups?

I read most posts and find some new things to consider. I also pass on what has worked for me both in 2007/2008 and currently when someone sounds hopeless.

On a routine skin check they found a melanoma last month. Had it removed last week. Stiches will be removed next week, Will schedule a three month checkup.

@doccharlie: You are proof that early detection and treatment is vital! Hope you're not too uncomfortable and have an easy healing. Keep up with your diligence!
Can you check back with me in 3 months to let me know about your follow up?