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annieh
Australia
16 Posts |
 Posted - 07/24/2010 : 00:20:19
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Hi,
I am new to these forums. I discovered this site a few days after I had had a bcc removed by my dermatologist from my scalp (crown of head) That was 12 days ago (6 stitches).
I was told by the derm to apply betadine (iodine) after a shower once a day. I see him again tomorrow for a verdict.
For over a year the theory had been that the problem on my scalp was psoriasis So, I had tried various oils (olive, almond) on my scalp in an attempt to "cure" the psoriasis-that-wasn't.
A skin cancer clinic I went to recently used a dermoscope / computer imaging and did a biopsy that detected the true nature of the problem on my scalp was bcc, but I went to my usual derm for the excision.
Once the stitches are out, I am interested to know what safe remedies there might be to use on my scalp? I really don't want to get any more of this!
Doing reading on these forums I have made some changes
e.g.
* changed to monounsaturated fats only
* cut down on sugar at once
* increased curries/tumeric/ginger/garlic/tomato
* I walk 30 mins a day if I can
* ditched the commercial shampoos and have bought a safe one.
* added Co-CQ10 to the vitamin regime
It's only a few days but I feel better I was already on the budwig breakfast (lowfat cottage cheese instead of yogurt though).
I am interested to know what to do to keep it healthy into the future. I think I recall being told the skin on the scalp is different to the skin elsewhere and so
what is the thinking on:
* COCQ10 applied topically?
* almond oil?
* aloe vera?
* petty spurge -- for the scalp though?
I have decided I do not know what I am doing.
I guess this should be a separate thread but in terms of using aloe vera I am nervous:
Since trying aloe vera on my upper chest I am very nervous to experiment: I used aloe vera a few days ago on the skin of my upper chestbones. The area had been treated 3 weeks ago with liquid nitrogen to freeze off one tiny thing another derm had spotted using a dermoscope.
But instead of the freezing making it scab and fall off, the entire area became irritated. I believe that was entirely because of the way that the liquid nitrogen was squirted on the chest area. My usual doctor and derm are always very careful to use only a tiny, targetted bit of spray. This doctor had a different technique.)
It was then I used the aloe vera and it got heaps worse. Now it is full of raised pinkish bumps, with one or two tiny red open wounds. I tried cider vinegar on Saturday, and then decided to give it a rest for Sunday and today. It has settled down a bit.
I have had skin cancer for ages, each one fixed by treatment by a derm (with excision; freezing; effudix.) [Edited: in the original version of this post I said that I had used aldara -- but no it was effudix; it was so long ago but I recall I had to follow the derm's instructions very strictly.]
I was severely sunburnt 30 years ago in Africa, to the point of blistering and have fair Scottish skin.
It seems after a period of prolonged stress in recent years, my skin is now really reactive and grouchy ... I have dealt with the stress, now to deal with its consequences!
Grateful for any help.
Thanks
AnnieH
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Edited by - annieh on 08/28/2010 04:04:12 |
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dan
440 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2010 : 00:34:33
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Hi AnnieH, we're glad to have you here! It seems like you have made a good start in turning things around. It takes a while, don't get discouraged. A theory many of us have here is that skin cancer may progress from fungal infections so applying antifungals and cutting sugar would help with prevention. I don't know what to think about your aloe vera reaction. Interpreting reactions is not easy because sometimes topicals make things worse before they get better.
Other antifungals to consider trying are listed in http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=3245986
* Allicin – created from crushing garlic
* Tea tree oil
* Citronella oil (Lemon grass)
* Iodine – Lugols Solution
* olive leaf
* orange and other citrus oils
* palmarosa oil
* patchouli
* lemon myrtle
* Neem Seed Oil
* Coconut Oil – medium chain triglycerides in the oil have antifungal activities
* Zinc
* Selenium
I like tea tree oil, black walnut hull extract, and coconut oil for being mild. You may benefit from vitamin D3 supplements especially if you associate sun exposure with skin cancer. Vitamin K2 is a good complement to vitamin D. The only fats I try to avoid are transfats and polyunsaturated seed oils (high omega 6). I take 100mg of Co enzyme Q10 a day. I like the budwig breakfast.
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annieh
Australia
16 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2010 : 01:43:27
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Thanks Dan.
I have been on the olive leaf extract as an edible supplement for about 2 weeks so far. Did you mean use Olive Leaf as a topical application?
Thank you for reminding me of the coconut oil.
I do already take vitamin D3.
I have an appointment with a naturopath scheduled for a week's time and by then I will have seen the dermatologist so hopefully that is progress!
Depending on what he tells me my chest is doing, I thought I might very slowly work my way through all the spots on my chest by using the petty spurge on one spot at a time so that I do not have a large area all angry and sore as it is at present.
Thanks again!
Annieh
Thanks again. |
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annieh
Australia
16 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2010 : 08:51:13
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I edited the very first posting I had made to correct something:
I had said:
I have had skin cancer for ages, each one fixed by treatment by a derm (with excision; freezing; effudix
--- I had erroneously said in the original version of this post that I had used aldara -- but no it was effudix; it was so long ago but I recall I had to follow the derm's instructions very strictly.
=======
Anyhow right now my upper chest is feeling better -- see separate posting. |
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annieh
Australia
16 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2010 : 08:56:29
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Image from 3 August after stitches came out: more hair than there is 2 weeks later at 19 Aug :(
Updated on my scalp story:
Background: A bcc was removed from the crown of my head 2 weeks ago. The area had been itchy for ages and had been thought to be psoriasis. I had been using all sorts of things to fix the wrong problem. It had bled/healed/bled and during one such episode, while being prayed for, someone laid hands on me and said eek that's a bcc and you need your head seen to at once! They were right. That was two months ago.
The bcc was .5mm x .5mm and the cut needed six stitches (they came out today). I have a large ugly scar and wear my hair swirled up to cover it up.
Prognosis:
The derm. says that there is a one in 3 chance of the bcc reappearing. I don't like that thought: right now I am sitting with a bald patch on the top of my head thinking of the future.
Treatment:
1. Shampoo: Not sure. I found a very mild herbal one. It will have to do. I am scared of using the one with all the selenium in it. Also, I react strongly to tea tree things.
2. Scar: calendula ointment + rosehip oil (homeopathic chemist's advice)
3. Diet: To boost my body's immune system so it can heal: HOmeopath said my intake of zinc and Vit D 3 are too low, as the biopsy sites elsewhere on my skin (legs) are not healing well, and that perhaps my vegetarian diet is too high in dairy fat and not high enough in plant proteins. I know I do not drink enough water... too much coffee ... not enough green leafy stuff...
4. Getting the hair to grow again? Basically, I will be grateful if my scalp stays healthy ... but I don't want to be a bald old woman before my time!
5. Vigilence: I will have to watch that area so the bcc does not reappear. I would use petty spurge down the track if need be. But how on earth does one see things on the back of one's head let alone notice spots through one's hair!
(An aside Re petty spurge: I am not sure at what point to use petty spurge: when a spot is pearly and pink, or when it has ulcerated and scabbed over?)
6. More on diet:
I am keen to learn more because all these skin cancers have recently flared up (legs, chest, hands) and I just feel an itchy mess.
I feel that for my particular problems I need to follow a dietary approach as I am fighting skin cancer sites all over (bcc, squamous, precancerous spots). I have had heaps of stress in my life in the past 6 years. So much so that I now no longer work. I am sure it is all related. (Though I was sunburnt a lot as a child)
So I feel I need to cleanse my body and drink more water/exercise/get healthy.
I have used the Budwig (cottage cheese + flaxseed oil) breakfast for a moth or so, but notice on these forums that people use yogurt and flaxseed and not cottage cheese. I need/want to cut down my consumption of dairy fat, so have switched to yogurt.
re not healing well: I know I should go and get tested for diabets maybe. but truly for me, I think being treated with liquid nitrogen to freeze things off is not what my skin tolerates well, I know it is something that has to be done but I hate it. (e.g. a month ago Another derm. had sprayed my chest carelessly and instead of targetting the one pearly spot managed to aggravate an old sunburnt area into an angry mass of red spots that have just sat around not getting scabs and not going away.)
Today I am thinking that the combination of visiting both a conventional doctor/dermatologist plus a naturopath/homeopath has its challenges, as well as advantages:
Due to the non-healing of things the derm. put me on antibiotics.
Due to the antibiotics I need to watch the yeast problems.
I need to tell each of them what the other has suggested/prescribed so things don't get confused.
I need a diary for all this.
And now there is the challenge of how to afford buying the good food for the new diet: shall have to go outside and grow my own eh?
I am sure tomorrow will look brighter. Thanks for listening.
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Edited by - annieh on 08/28/2010 03:57:52 |
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thanks01
USA
142 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2010 : 16:38:48
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| Since you seem to be reporting multiple spots that might cause future problems, I would suggest pursuing Candida yeast problems as you work with your dietary concerns. It seems that, as a vegetarian you may be overemphasizing starch and sugar and underemphasizing protein. Just a guess. Hope this helps. |
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annieh
Australia
16 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2010 : 20:13:42
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quote:
Originally posted by thanks01
Since you seem to be reporting multiple spots that might cause future problems, I would suggest pursuing Candida yeast problems as you work with your dietary concerns. It seems that, as a vegetarian you may be overemphasizing starch and sugar and underemphasizing protein. Just a guess. Hope this helps.
Thanks thanks01! es I agree: I have cut down on sugar already, and starch too is on the way out, though I am back on potato for its fibre/salicylate content (have until now avoided salicylate but I think I am not allergic to them and need to eat more broadly now if I am a vegetarian). I always use a good pro-biotic yogurt, but now that I am on antibiotics will have to be doubly sure to clobber the candida on the head before it takes hold. Incidentally: being winter here, and trying to save on heating bills, we kept curtains closed in unused rooms and guess what: there was mould on the window right near where I sleep. I really do see that there must be some kind of a relation between mould and some cancers, even if only very indirectly, in that it compromises one's health and reduces the body's immune responses... I don't think it is the whole answer though. The more I read the more I think it is a wholistic response that is needed to stay healthy.
Part of boosting my health has to be increasing good sources of protein so that my body has the building blocks for good cell growth ... |
Edited by - annieh on 08/03/2010 20:15:25 |
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annieh
Australia
16 Posts |
Posted - 08/18/2010 : 19:31:01
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Hi again
It is now just over a month since I had a 5mm x 5mm superficial bcc removed from my scalp. It was on the crown of my head and was removed by a dermatologist who cut out all the bcc and sewed my head together again.
My usual doctor is concerned that the circular patch of bare scalp on my head will not produce any hair let alone along the scar line of course, and has suggested I now go to a surgeon for "reconstructive" surgery, to cut out the scar tissue and do a kind of flap to drag good hair-bearing scalp over the bald patch. As a not-quite 60=year=old woman I am tempted to follow this course of action.
However the dermatologist told me the bcc might recur and that the odds were one in three. SO. The surgeon will not operate until healing is complete.
Meantime I am using calendula ointment mixed with rose-hip oil, and am washing my hair with conditioner rather than shampoo (fewer chemicals) and occasionally with selsun shampoo.
I have told my doctor that I intend using petty spurge on my scalp if I spot any bcc but it is jolly difficult to see my scalp even with two mirrors but he warned me that the alkaloids in petty spurge might damage healthy HAIR FOLICLES too; this I do not know about.
I just don't really feel very in control of the entire situation. I am also fighting skin cancer on my upper chest, face and hands (small areas) and used Petty Spurge on them today to see if I can clear them up so that I can concentrate on my scalp.
The one area I can control is my diet: I now drink less coffee and more water; a better vegetarian diet with more fruit and a stack of supplements including vit D3, shark liver extract, zinc, silica tissue salts, and lots of flaxsed oil, and olive leaf extract.
The candida / mould question is very interesting. Coincidentally: it so happens that my scalp bcc developed during the heart of winter, and our bed head was at the window, which had its curtains drawn mostly to keep warmth in: but oh dear the mould had sure built up at the window rims (no double glazing possible on our wooden windows).
Ah well. Thanks for listening.
Annieh.
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Edited by - annieh on 08/28/2010 03:26:19 |
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Grace2Go
USA
50 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 02:01:45
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Hello annieh,
The area of the scalp you're dealing with would definitely be hard to treat. Have you checked out the Agrimony posts here? It would be good to add the Agrimony tea to your diet, and using the Agrimony on your scalp wouldn't damage the good skin when it gets on the surrounding area.
Goats milk shampoo is a great natural alternative, and using natural rinse recipes will replace chemical conditioners. I've ordered from this website, and will continue to, they have great products & great service:
http://www.roseofsharonacres.com/
Rinse recipes can be found here:
http://www.roseofsharonacres.com/recipes
I love their tooth chips too, no chemicals, and squeaky clean teeth!
Keep us posted on your progress.
quote:
Originally posted by annieh
Hi again
It is now just over a month since I had a 5mm x 5mm superficial bcc removed from my scalp. It was on the crown of my head and was removed by a dermatologist who cut out all the bcc and sewed my head together again.
My usual doctor is concerned that the circular patch of bare scalp on my head will not produce any hair let alone along the scar line of course, and has suggested I now go to a surgeon for "reconstructive" surgery, to cut out the scar tissue and do a kind of flap to drag good hair-bearing scalp over the bald patch. As a not-quite 60=year=old woman I am tempted to follow this course of action.
However the dermatologist told me the bcc might recur and that the odds were one in three. SO. The surgeon will not operate until healing is complete.
Meantime I am using calendula ointment mixed with rose-hip oil, and am washing my hair with conditioner rather than shampoo (fewer chemicals) and occasionally with selsun shampoo.
I have told my doctor that I intend using petty spurge on my scalp if I spot any bcc but it is jolly difficult to see my scalp even with two mirrors but he warned me that the alkaloids in petty spurge might damage healthy cells too; this I do not know about.
I just don't really feel very in control of the entire situation. I am also fighting skin cancer on my upper chest, face and hands (small areas) and used Petty Spurge on them today to see if I can clear them up so that I can concentrate on my scalp.
The one area I can control is my diet: I now drink less coffee and more water; a better vegetarian diet with more fruit and a stack of supplements including vit D3, shark liver extract, zinc, silica tissue salts, and lots of flaxsed oil, and olive leaf extract.
The candida / mould question is very interesting. Coincidentally: it so happens that my scalp bcc developed during the heart of winter, and our bed head was at the window, which had its curtains drawn mostly to keep warmth in: but oh dear the mould had sure built up at the window rims (no double glazing possible on our wooden windows).
Ah well. Thanks for listening.
Annieh.
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annieh
Australia
16 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 06:53:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Grace2Go
The area of the scalp you're dealing with would definitely be hard to treat. Have you checked out the Agrimony posts here?
Ah yes I have been reading the Agrimony posts; I noticed our herbalist in town sells it as a tea, so will explore. Right now I can't afford a follow-up consultation with their naturopath. My husband kindly took some photos of my scalp today, so I can track the progress better. Thanks for the tip on shampoos!
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Edited by - annieh on 08/19/2010 06:54:41 |
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annieh
Australia
16 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2010 : 03:48:10
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It is now 6 weeks since the bcc was removed from my scalp.The scar is all healed up nicely (thanks to calendula ointment mixed with rosehip oil). Alas I can't see any sign of hair returning.
(Maybe it is too soon. OR Maybe I used too much rosehip oil. Who knows?)
The skin feels different to the rest of my scalp -- oily-ish.
What I am doing to get the hair back:
I alternate shampoos -- a natural one with herbs; selsun which has selenium; a conditioner only;
I try to massage the scalp
I also bathe it alternately in warm and cold water to get the circulation going. (I am nervous to try a rosemary leaf tea as my doctor had said plant alkaloids can permanently kill off hair follicles which doesn't sound so good.)
I have not yet used Petty Spurge on the bald patch - I will wait until I see a sign of a bcc returning.
Meantime I am battling skin cancer on my chest which is another story for another day.
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annieh
Australia
16 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2010 : 03:59:34
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| If you compare the image I uploaded to my post of 3 Aug with the image uploaded to my post of 19 Aug, you will see I have gone backwards in terms of hair growth ... |
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dan
440 Posts |
Posted - 08/29/2010 : 14:28:54
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annieh, it is great that you are taking pictures so you can objectively compare the results. It is hard to say if it looks better or worse but it is still there for now. I have a couple of other ideas. Do you take showers and if so maybe the stream of water + chlorine on top of your head is irritating? Chlorine may kill balancing bacteria so you get left with yeast/fungus overgrowth. I installed a cheap Sprite brand shower filter that I like. Also, have you ever tried pancreatin enzymes?
I like this summary list from http://coolinginflammation.blogspot.com/ to reduce inflammation, although some of it goes against contemporary conventional medical advice:
* Starch/sugar/fructose are inflammatory. Low carbohydrate is the healthiest diet.
* Grains, even whole grains, and especially cereal are a big part of the problem and should be avoided.
* Fat and not carbohydrates, should be the major source of dietary calories/energy.
* Saturated fats are healthier than vegetable oils -- use olive oil and butter.
* Meats/fish (not fed on grains) are healthy. A healthy vegetarian diet is difficult.
* Leafy vegetables are a good source of healthful antioxidants.
* Fruits and fructose are inflammatory and should be eaten sparingly.
* Healthy gut bacteria are important. Eat fermented foods with live bacteria, e.g. yogurt.
* Supplement at least 2000 IU vitamin D a day
* Supplement omega 3 fish oil. Fish oil supplements should always be taken with at least equal amounts of saturated fats in the same meal.
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anivoc
286 Posts |
Posted - 08/29/2010 : 16:15:24
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Well it's been about two years now since I had a 2 cm bcc removed from my scalp and I still have a bald spot. A tiny bit smaller now than then but a bald spot for sure... being a guy it is not quite as big of a deal but it's a deal. I have considered hair transplant but I am waiting to see what other "headaches" in terms of BCC's come about over the next few years.. I might be going for the buzz cut with scars look.
Hair transplant will fill it in just fine but it is expensive. |
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thanks01
USA
142 Posts |
Posted - 08/30/2010 : 17:54:38
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Perhaps someone can answer who knows a bit about skin composition.
I don't know much, but it seems logical to me that surgery might remove the hair follicles in the scalp area where it removes the BCC. In that case perhaps the thing to do is live with the one result and do the best possible to prevent future occurences. |
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marsha
USA
75 Posts |
Posted - 08/31/2010 : 10:32:23
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| anivoc, I think you would look great with the buzz cut scar look, thats funny, But I think you have to ware a hat. |
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annieh
Australia
16 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2010 : 06:00:49
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quote:
thanks01 said:
Perhaps someone can answer who knows a bit about skin composition.
I don't know much, but it seems logical to me that surgery might remove the hair follicles in the scalp area where it removes the BCC. In that case perhaps the thing to do is live with the one result and do the best possible to prevent future occurences.
Yes I have now discarded the idea of a "reconstruction" to draw healthy hair-growing scalp together over the hole. That is vanity: I need to be able to monitor the recurrence if any, I trust God it will not recur but I have also to be practical.
It is now almost 2 months since the excision and the patch of bare skin is strange. A new specialist I saw today was obviously taken aback and at the very least, very puzzled, by its appearance and wants to do a biopsy. I found out through this new person (who was sent reports by previous docs) that one lateral margin was only 0.4 mm -- so now I know why I was told there is a risk of recurrence. There is no visible scar line where the scalp was joined; it is simply a round pink-whitish slightly waxy patch with no hair... |
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What to do after excision of a bcc on the scalp?
