Hi...I'm 31 and have had ESRD since 22 yrs old. I had Transplant right away (my wife at the time was the doner)that lasted 4.5 yrs. It's been another 4.5 yrs that I've been on Hemodialysis. Ever since back on Hemo after the nephrectomy I've had skin problems, description: the hair(s) on my arms & legs mostly but now more all over seem to form in grown hairs. They form what seems like "zits" but its the individual hair not coming thruogh the skin. It "winds" up or twists under the skin and forms a mass inside that is whitish to clear at times. This is all over my body now and I spend HOURS "picking at myself to get the hair out from under the skin. One nurse says it maybe a Vitamin defissioncy probably vitamin A. No-one else has any ideas, can anyone help? I really need to stop the picking, it's almost driving me mad, and I'm really destroying my skin.

I had a transplant that lasted 3 years, and I also got those things on my skin-- they're sebaceous cysts, caused by bacteria getting in the hair shaft. I use witch hazel on my face to dry up the oil... if you let them develop, they turn into HUGE pimples that will leave a scar. I never had acne in high school, but I got it in spades as a result of the prednisone, and developed dermatitis so bad that I had to go to the emergency room for a shot of benadry because my face was infected.

You might want to see a dematologist, because you might need a topical medication for your skin. It would also be helpful for you to find out if you're a staph carrier. I found out that I am a carrier, and that staph is what's getting inside my hair follicles and causing the cysts.

Thanks DialyzinDar....I think that I will see a Deratologist, cuz this is getting outa hand now. I'm picking myself to the point of (almost) self-mutilation and its driving me mad. My arms and legs look awful and it embarrass's me to ware short sleeve shirts and shorts any more. Thanks again.


[This message has been edited by Michael Williams (edited 06-26-2001).]

Hi

I've heard of many people affected the same way from the immunosuppresents, especially prednisone.

Additional hair growth (facial and otherwise)is partcularly common, as are pimples.

Seeing a dermatologist sounds like a good idea to me.

Mike