Factor 50, or 50+

Factor 50 is a rating of sunscreen normally used in desert conditions. The number stands for the multiple by which your skin can withstand sun damage over its normal time, when using the sunscreen.

I use factor 50+, only available on prescription, because I'm one of the lucky people- lucky enough to develop a condition so rare that only 2 others in the 30 year history of the condition have had it.

It's called Actinic Follicultis, so-called because the hair follicles of the skin react to the sun by producing hundreds of delightful little puss-filled spots. This affects my face, chest and shoulders, and has become worse over the past two years.

I was only recently diagnosed following an intensive week of light tests and chemical patch tests and was only truly diagnosed because the investigating Professor happened to have read a paper on the condition and matched the symptoms to my photographs. The symptoms failed to appear during testing, but the tests were carried out on my forearms and back.


Following the diagnosis, the docs decided to try me out on the treatment used (somewhat) successfully on the other two cases. It's quite a harsh treatment, but I really want to be rid of this. Looking like a scaled, puss lizard for half the year is not pleasant, nor is the tightness of the swollen skin, the swollen glands around my eyes as the skin drains or the pain as I try to get rid of the spots.

I'm now on Isotretinoin tablets. These are a severe acne treatment derived from Vitamin A. It basically dries out the skin, stops it producing sebum. It's so severe that I have to take the contraceptive pill and have monthly hospital pregnancy tests because if I were to become pregnant the foetus would be so damaged an termination would be the only option. I also have monthly blood tests for my lipids to make sure my body can cope with the treatment.

The side effects are pretty nasty, although in comparison to a lot of the "harsher" treatments, I'm not too bad. My lips are swollen and cracked- I'm keeping Lypsil in action- and my skin is dry. It's starting to work better, coping with the treatment and not peeling like it did at the beginning. After 7 days on the pills, I lost my voice thanks to dehyration, and it was only recently that the docs revealed I should be drinking a LOT more. Apparently, vigorous exercise is also out because my muscles would start hurting very quickly; this begs the question, how exactly was I supposed to disobey and get pregnant eh? The treatment also dries out your arms, and I'm worried I might be developing excema, which wouldn't be great. My skin isn't healing like it should, but I'm hoping this will correct itself when I finish the treatment. The final common side effect is depression. Not the greatest when you're halfway through a Master's dissertation (halfway is a case of gross optimism btw). I've slipped down that slope before, and I'm at a high risk point in my career right now so I'm worried. I'm surrounded by family though, and try to keep myself social.

I've been on the treatment now for 6 weeks. My skin is looking healthier, and for the first time since I was a child I don't look pale. My skin glows with a warmth from the sun, my skin works with my natural colouring and I don't have to wear make-up. I take 6 tablets a day (80mg Isotretinoin, the pill and anti-histamines because my skin is so sensitive) and apply factor 50+ if it's sunny, as well as wear lashings of Lypsil and use Clobetasone on my arms to try to prevent scaling.

I've had one small reaction to the sun in the first two weeks, but since then have had nothing. I've got my fingers crossed...