Changes in my body as a result of Lupus

[SLE-Warrior]

I had to repost this message in here, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions

I have been on steroids since May 2019. I have noticed my stretch marks have become darker and prominent. I am a dark skin complexion and I have tried shea butter and palmers coconut butter. It has not changed anything. As if right now I don't know what else to try.

If anyone has any solutions for my problem, I would be grateful for your help.

Thank you 😊

[Kell12]

Have you tried bio oil? My did go darker but seem to have calmed down again now off the steroids, good luck x

[SLE-Warrior in reply to Kell12]

I have tried bio oil. I haven't noticed any difference.

[Jmiller623]

Had the same problem. Was told by derm they are permanent. Steroids are the worst. Weight gain and stretch marks. Great for the female confidence 🙄. Based on data, only thing that works and is approved is Retin-A (like the stuff used for acne). About 40% of patients say they see improvement. With microderm abrasion added, the response rate is nearer to 60%.

Hope this helps in any small way. Mine have lightened since stopping steroids and working out. I didn’t find lotions helped at all.

[SLE-Warrior in reply to Jmiller623]

Thank you so much. I have started excerising more recently.

Where did you buy Retin -A? Is there a specific website you use to get Retin-A products?

[Lupusrelative in reply to SLE-Warrior]

Usually has to be prescribed by a doctor, at least the one that works. Be very careful in the sun when using retin, you will burn. Always use plenty of sunscreen.

[Jmiller623 in reply to SLE-Warrior]

You need a doctors prescription for Retin-A. As lupusrelative said, be careful with it. You only need a very small amount mixed in with regular lotion and applied to area where stretch marks are. Your GP or dermatologist should be able to prescribe this without issue.

Here is the best/most original article I can find on the topic. However, I think they have overestimated Retin-A effectiveness compared to other studies. There are other articles on microdermabrasion being just as effective as Retin-A.

jamanetwork.com/journals/ja...