Is DSAP an autoimmune disease?
Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is an inherited skin disease characterized by many uniformly small, annular, anhidrotic, keratotic lesions developing during the third or fourth decade of life on sun-exposed areas of skin [1].
What is the difference between actinic keratosis and DSAP?
It is sometimes confused with actinic keratosis which is also caused by sun exposure (See Patient Information Leaflet on Actinic Keratoses); however, actinic keratosis is more likely to arise on the face and hands. DSAP is twice as likely to develop in women compared with men and is more common in lighter skin type.
What is disseminated porokeratosis?
Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly patches.[8488] Symptoms include a large number of small, brownish patches with a distinctive border, found most commonly on sun-exposed areas of the skin (particularly the lower arms and legs).[8488][8489] DSAP usually …
What causes DSAP to flare up?
It is rare in childhood. DSAP may arise in immune-suppressed patients, including after organ transplantation. Its onset can also be triggered by sun exposure, phototherapy, injury, infection or systemic disease.
Is DSAP hereditary?
DSAP may be inherited in an autosomal dominant matter or may occur in people with no family history of DSAP. Some cases are caused by a change (variant) in the MVK or SART3 genes.
What does a porokeratosis look like?
Porokeratosis is a skin condition which appears as raised brown bumps that may expand into scaly patches. They often have raised rings around the spots.
What does DSAP look like?
Disease at a Glance Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly patches. Symptoms include a large number of small, brownish patches with a distinctive border, found most commonly on sun-exposed areas of the skin (particularly the lower arms and legs).
Is DSAP cancerous?
While DSAP is pre-cancerous, it is uncommon for it to develop into a true skin cancer. Sometimes the spots develop worrisome changes, such as redness, crusting or scaling and need to be biopsied.
Can you get skin cancer from DSAP?
DSAP itself is harmless. However, many people with DSAP have had significant exposure to the sun and so may also have other skin lesions caused by sun damage including skin cancer. It is therefore important to see your GP or skin specialist if you notice any new or changing skin lesions.
What is DSAP and how is it treated?
How is this condition treated? Currently, there is no common, effective cure for DSAP. A number of therapies including retinoids, topical 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, and exfoliating alfa-hydroxy acids, as well as destructive therapies such as cryotherapy and fractionated laser resurfacing can help.
What is disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP)?
“Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis (DSAP) is an inherited skin condition which causes dry and flaky patches to appear on the skin, mostly on the legs and arms,” explains Dr. Adam Mamelak, a board certified Dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology.
Should I see a doctor for DSAP?
However, many people with DSAP have had significant exposure to the sun and so may also have other skin lesions caused by sun damage including skin cancer. It is therefore important to see your GP or skin specialist if you notice any new or changing skin lesions. How is disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis diagnosed?