More Dermatologist Appointments

Yesterday, Muddear had another Dermatologist appointment. Perhaps it was because we were the last appointment of the day, I am not sure, however, I was thankful that we were in and out in less than 45 minutes. Muddear "having words" with the doctor again was not a pleasant prospect. Not to mention, I believe my sinus's are flaring up due to the season changes and I did not think I could stand another two hour appointment.

The good news is Muddear's skin infection is healing nicely and the hyperpigmentation is beginning to recede. Our next appointment is in two months - we will simply need to continue applying the medicated cream - Topicort once per day. The only caveat - as the weather turns colder, we may need to increase the use of the Aquaphor - a moisturizer prescribed by Dr. Barich. The purpose will be to keep the skin hydrated so that it does not become dry and itchy. The very catalyst that precipitated this horrendous skin infection that has taken us over a year to clear up.

Hopefully, the next dermatologist appointment will be the last. I should have some pictures soon to post.

Hyperpigmentation

On Monday, Muddear had another dermatologist appointment and I am glad to report that her skin condition is healing nicely.

Per Dr. Barich's instructions we can reduce the medication application down to once a day. Yeah!!!! Call me a lazy bum, but washing the infected areas multiple times a day and applying multiple medicated creams each time month after month is not fun. As Muddear's skin heals, I have noticed the change in its texture. Initially it was dry, cracked, and scaly. The skin flaked off in chunks and often oozed. To make matters worse, the infected areas itched incessantly without relief and Muddear would scratch to the point of bleeding. Now, it is so nice to feel the previously infected areas - they are smooth to the touch and the skin is taut yet supple.

The only thing, according to Dr. Barich, that may be difficult to resolve is the discoloration. Irritation of the infected areas created hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin, the substance in the body that is responsible for color (pigment). The overproduction of melanin causes dark spots to occur. Dark skin is more likely to develop pigmentation problems. Even minor skin injuries, such as bug bites, can cause an immediate change in skin pigment. If you look at the pictures in this post, Friday, June 22, 2007
Another Dermatologist Appointment , you will see the hyperpigmentation of Muddear's skin. While it may not be the most attractive, if that is all we have to worry about, I am a happy camper. Muddear is no longer experience discomfort caused by the skin condition and we have a six-week break until our next appointment.

Another Dermatologist Appointment

Yesterday Muddear had another dermatologist appointment. It appears that the skin infection that has plagued "us" for months is healing nicely. Check out the pictures - the darkness in the pigmentation was caused by excessive scratching; the scaling (which you cannot see) and puffiness (lower part of the leg where skin is the most discolored) are both due to the infection. This is a remarkable improvement from when we started going to Dr. Barich for treatment.

The dermatologist runs on a different schedule than the rest of the world. Muddear's appointment was at 3:00 p.m., but Dr. Barich did not see her until 3:45. You can read about "our" last Dermatologist Appointment in post dated Wednesday, May 30, 2007. As you can imagine, Muddear was not pleased about the wait, but neither was I.

Nevertheless, our next appointment is in July for a follow-up visit. We will continue the current medication schedule: Wash twice a day, apply Aquaphor (prescription strength Vaseline like cream) and Topicort (medicated ointment) twice a day as well. I hope that in next month’s pictures Muddear's skin will look even better. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Dermatologist Appointment

Taking Muddear to the dermatologist is always an event. As usual, Muddear is dressed up for the appointment and waiting patiently for me to pick her up. Happily, almost gaily, she gets into the car - I think Muddear thinks of the appointment as more of an "outing" than a doctor's appointment. She is also full of chatter...I could not help but giggle, Muddear has decided that she needs a new black purse. "How many black purses do you have that you don't carry? I need a new one, maybe you could give me one of your old ones," she says. The funny thing is that Muddear has a black purse; she just cannot remember where she put it. So you know, my chore for the night...find Muddear's black purse otherwise give her one of mine.

Anyway, the dermatologist Dr. Barich is never on schedule. Every time Muddear has an appointment, she never sees the doctor until 30 to 60 minutes past her appointment time. It is really an inconvenience considering he doesn't accept evening or weekend appointments and I am forced to miss at least three and a half hours of work every time. Not to mention the fact that it aggravates Muddear as well. Unfortunately, Dr. Barich holds me hostage, because he is a very talented dermatologist.

Finally, the doctor is ready to exam Muddear.

"Hey Flossie, how are you doing?"
"I'd be better if I could get the $50 dollar treatment."
"The $50 dollar treatment...what's that?"
"Quick in and quick out!"

Doctor Barich looked mortified! I did not know what to do, so I sat quietly, wishing the floor would open up and I could jump in.