Living with Sarcoidosis

I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis yesterday after I had a biopsy about 7 days ago. I had never heard of this disease. I had been concerned of a skin rash that appeared on my left leg. It began as a large red mass on my leg. I was referred to a specialist who looked at it and said it looked as if I was allergic to some kind of food. However, I was prescribed a bactroban ointment, augmented betamethason dipropionate ointment, and some other ointment. Nevertheless, the rash is still there.

After 3 years and no success from the first dermatologist, I asked my GP for a new dermatologist in March 2007. Reason-I noticed a skin lesion on the side of my thigh, a large mass on my buttock, and 2 faintly lesions on my right upper back arm. I understood that the doctor I saw this time was considered an excellent dermatologist. In fact, I was not able to get an appointment until this month. The dermatologist assured me that the lesions were all the same even though the ones on my leg are red, the one on my thigh is red, the one on my buttock is more brownish, and the ones on my arm is practically the color of my skin.

After doing a biopsy on two of the lesions, I was later diagnosed with sarcoidosis “What’s that?” I asked the doctor. She briefly explained to me over the phone. After our conversation, I searched the internet; and I read at least 50 different articles about this disease. The only syptoms I have are the skin lesions. They don’t itch or anything. They are just there.

I had a complete physical in December-blood work, mammogram, chest x-ray, bone density test, etc. Everything turned up good. My dermatologist notified my doctor of the diagnosis. She did recommend me to have a chest x-ray, and my eyes examined. So, I will not know anything further until I have the previous two exams.