Grouppe Kurosawa: HIV - Letters From Blanche Vol. 4, Part 2 (print)

Dear Dr. Steve:
Yeah, that's how the apple cider vinegar got into the picture. The net mentioned that, baking soda, and Epsom salts. Why vinegar should work and also baking soda is one of the mysteries. I had this fantasy of putting baking soda in the bathwater and adding vinegar. First, I have to find a clean piece of hose to stick out the window, just in case the bubbles overwhelm me. Grammar School classes across America are using those very ingredients to build their own "volcanoes" even as we speak. The kiddies love it when the vinegar hits the base. A grammar-school chemistry lesson combined with Scrubbing Bubbles!

I'm also taking "Candida Clear" by Now Foods. It contains 2 mg of biotin per 2-cap serving (two servings a day according to the label). That's 4mg of Biotin. Also, 500mg caprylic acid; 300mg pau d'arco; 300mg black walnut (not sure what that's for) and 200mg Oregano Oil. I have also been using either Oregano Oil or Ginger Oil in the bath along with whatever else.

My priorities are a bit confused at the moment. I think the most important thing is getting rid of the Candida, because it is the only active problem remaining. The Shingles are only a problem because of deep lesions. The dry skin is, I believe, mostly due to the Candida, which must be kept dry at all cost. That dryness, however, is a problem in and of itself, and causes me to scratch 'til I bleed. At the sites of the worst itching are sometimes found teeny tiny little red bumps. If scratched vigorously enough the bumps break open and the whole thing looks like mild roadrash. If that's the Shingles trying to make a comeback I'm in deep brown goo. All of it keeps me up half the night in spite of mass quantities of melatonin. This probably adversely affects the HIV et al. 'Tis a puzzlement!

I have now also achieved official "Princess and the Pea" status, as anything I put on my skin feels... well, it just feels too much, darn it! Clothes drive me nuts. Creams feel icky. Noxema remains pretty neutral, but everything else makes my skin crawl, at least until it dries. I'm running around the house in a t-shirt that's almost long enough. Heaven help me if there's an emergency; I'll frighten children and small dogs, also grannies.

A cream will be quite helpful, as I can soak in whatever I need to use and then re-moisturize if it dries me out. I think what I need to do now is keep the itching from overwhelming me entirely until I can get rid of the Candida. Then we'll see if moisturizing will eliminate the little bumplets and itching.

I'm afraid this whole thing is making me nuts and I'm taking you with me. See 'ya in the psycho ward! -- Blanche

Blanche,
As I recall, you are taking melatonin during the day. Correct? If so drop it and continue only at 10PM . Also take the biotin. We will move on from there.

When I get the ingredients, I WILL make a cream for you. Some of the ingredients others have that I don't. I have called in my chits. They are sending me what I want. I will make the first cream. I will send you most of the ingredients for the next creams.

Drop the day time melatonin now. It’s outlived its usefulness and may be making your skin more sensitive. Just a guess. We'll see.

Let me know how you feel each day after dropping the day time melatonin. I am serious about the biotin. Another one of those miracle molecules that no one talks about.

Dear Dr. Steve:
Melatonin? My favorite supplement? Awe, Shucks! But yes, you are right. Serotonin and cortisol do use the same receptors, nu?( Note: NO, I have no idea where she got that piece of information).

That's basically a good thing in my case, but perhaps there can be too much of a good thing? 3mg 3X daily, plus 18-21mg at night. I'll drop the daytime doses. Perhaps I should reduce the nighttime dose to like 12 or 15 mg? Let me know.

As I said, I'm taking 4mg biotin in the Candida Clear. How much do you want me to take? If 4mg is inadequate I'll look for the appropriate supplement.

I most certainly never expected you to send me the cream, dear, but all help is duly appreciated. If I can go through a night without pain or itching, I won't know how to act. Let me know when it's ready and I'll give you a mailing address. Thank you so very much. – Blanche

Blanche sweetie,
You are Mouse Number Two, which is right up there with the Pope in my eyes. Anna is Number One.

Don't fuck with the night dose of melatonin. It’s fine. Drop the day dose to zero. I will make the first anti-dry skin cream for you. The biotin you are taking is fine, for now. Let’s see what happens when the day dose of melatonin disappears. We will go from there.

Got to watch the Giants game tonight in case Barry hits number 700. Long day today, went to the gym at 630 AM and left my lights on. Had to call road service and get the moron of the week award. Oh well...

Blanche,
How is the itching since you stopped taking melatonin during the day? I received the last ingredient for the cream I am going to make for you. If it works for you, I'll send you some of the ingredients and you can make your own, kitchen chemist that you are.

In researching this topic, I found that a common problem associated with eczema and other disorders is the inability of the skin to keep the deeper layers of the skin from dehydrating. In short, there is little water in your skin. The missing ingredient is the lipid ceramide, which we are going to attempt to regenerate in your skin.

Dear Dr. Steve:
The itching is still with me, although it does seem that the degree of itch on the "good" skin (what there is left) has diminished. You must understand it is sometimes difficult to precisely place an itch in space, because it runs up and down the nerve and is sometimes caused by a problem somewhat removed from where the symptom occurs.

Also, we started this on Friday AFTER I had already taken all the daytime melatonin for that day. Too late to take it back. Therefore the new protocol didn't really get off the ground until, say, Saturday night. this is Sunday and I don't as yet see much change. Doesn't it take a few days for most chemicals to clear the system? Also bear in

mind that I was taking about 30mg of melatonin every day -- about ten times the "normal" dosage. This may take time to go away. I still believe we may have to reduce the nighttime dose to, say, 9-12mg before any real change can be determined. This is "by the twitching of my thumbs" and has no scientific basis. We'll just have to see.

I really, really hope that my problem is indeed candida. You see, my groin is bright red; so are my armpits (also some areas under the tits, as I mentioned). Soaking in, well, dish soap, actually -- seems to reduce the redness visibly over a few minutes/hours.

There is also flaking. It's impossible to tell at this point if it's the Candida flaking or just dry, dry, dead skin, but I'd guess is some of both. If I'd saved all the dead skin I've sloughed in the last month I could build a copy of myself, I think! I could sell skin grafts but nobody wants 'em. Darn.

Yes, I know you told me to avoid harsh soap. You didn't tell me, however, how to keep from doing myself in when nothing works, so the soap it must occasionally be, I'm afraid. It is really unfortunate that the only way to really reach the spots that need reaching is by soaking. Just washing works sometimes; others it does not good, and repeated tries leave me raw and agonized. Really try to avoid those times 'cuz I'm not that brave, especially at 3am .

It is, of course, after soaks with do-it-yourself bubble bath that I really have the low-level itching all over (as opposed to screaming itching in a few assorted spots). What I am hoping is that I can use the soap to kill off the Candida and the "Itch-Be-Gone" to soothe after the soap has dried everything out. It's my only real hope at this point.

I'll send you my address in a separate email that you can just throw out. I know you've been saving these and wouldn't want my address to somehow pop up on your message board. Keeping fingers crossed -- Blanche

Blanche,
Drop the nighttime melatonin to 6 mgs. No melatonin during the day. If we are lowering the hydrocortisone level too much, we are making your immune system hypersensitive. I have an idea for the candida, but not until tomorrow. I have a BBQ today and I am a bit stressed right now.

Dear Dr. Steve:
As I said, I'm taking this stuff called "Candida Clear" and hoping for the best. I shall cut back more on the melatonin and see what that does.

In the meantime enjoy your barbecue. Note: BBQ's are supposed to be fun and not stressful. Perhaps you're inviting the wrong people! Stress is very much not good for those with HIV. I have no reason to assume it's that much better for those who are TREATING HIV. Chill; open a cold one and have a good time – Blanche

Blanche,
Use any oil you want. Safflower is good. Vaseline Intensive Care lotion, whatever. You are going to dilute the tea tree oil, which is available in most health food stories and ALL over the Net, 1 to 400. If that doesn't work, you dilute 1 to 100. Tea tree oil is a powerful anti-septic and saved the Allies in the Pacific during WW2. It came from Australia .

If you have questions, I be here, watching the 49ers fuck up and humiliate themselves on TV.

Dear Dr. Steve:
Already have tea tree oil, as it happens. Have tried it in my soak with or without other stuff, but probably diluted it far too much to do the job. I'll try this in the armpits first, since any unpleasant surprises in the fork are not going to be appreciated at this point in time; I've had too much fun already. Start at about 400:1 and increase percentage if necessary. I may as well use the Emu Oil, eh, mate?

Dear Dr. Steve:
Could be worse; it could be "waltzing Matilda." Tea Tree Oil. Emu Oil. Good grief! Actually, you wouldn't need to tan me hide; I think it's pretty much there already.

Okay, enough Aussie humor. Cut the melatonin to 6mg/night and it does seem to make for more peaceful sleeping. The only problem now is that I am taking Ibuprophen for the itching (don't laugh; it works) and of

course the drugs wear off well before morning. When I wake up, rested for once, I wake up twitching and itching, sometimes burning in regrettable personal places. Argggh.

I'm gonna have to have Stanley wake me up in the middle of the night and feed me pills. The only drawback to that, of course, is that once awake bad things start to come to my attention. Then I'm up half the night, possibly needing to get in the tub, which dries me out, which keeps me awake. I really, really need a way to break this cycle. What I need is a Stryker frame semi-immersed in Calamine or something like that. Just like a roast on a spit. Perhaps the "Itch-Be-Gone" will be the answer here. How's it coming?

One thing I have noticed since reducing the melatonin is I'm not so touch-sensitive as before. I was lying in bed curled in a pitiful frozen knot because I could not cover up; couldn't stand the touch of the sheets. This seems to be fading, and perhaps some fine day I'll actually be able to wear pants; what a concept! At any rate, I believe that is

due to the reduction in melatonin. Too bad; I was having a lot of fun with all that extra serotonin flopping around. Mellow. Half-naked, but mellow.

The Tea Tree Oil/Emu Oil/Vitamin E Oil/whatever's around Oil (canola in this case) seems to do a marvelous job of re-moisturizing various desiccated portions of the bod, although of course it tends to be greasy. Alas, it does not appear to be doing squat for the alleged Candida. Note that if all the redness at groin, armpit is not Candida I

may wind up in ye old hospital; it gets pretty red sometimes and I worry about my lymphatic system. There is no swelling, so I'm not panicking yet.

One major benefit to looking so pitiful is that people go out of their way to be helpful. I may have to get a few colored markers and draw on my skin when all this is over, so that I can still get my brownie points. Temporary herpal tattoos: A new fashion statement!

Okay, a couple of brain farts there. Melatonin reduced and seems to help. Tea Tree Oil, et. al., not affecting Candida as yet. I just started at 100:1, by the way. I know when a cannon is needed! Wake up in abject misery, but only after a night's sleep. Yay! Skin like badly-tanned leather at this point, except where it has holes in it. Boo!

The weird part is that if something really serious were wrong, in some ways it would be easier to cope with. All my current problems just suck and they're turning me into a whiner. Gripe, bitch, snivel – Blanche

Blanche,
I will get off the new topical tomorrow. It’s made in Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion. Lt’s less greasy than canola oil. Of course, you could always put the tree tea oil in Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion also.

Yes, how do you know its candida? Could be anything. If it’s controlled by zinc oxide, its probably a fungal infection. I don't think this problem has anything to do with your immune system. You have dry skin, you itch, and buggers begin growing in your moist damaged skin.

The melatonin inhibited hydrocortisone receptor binding to its receptor, which made your skin hypersensitive to activation by damn near anything.

What exactly is your protocol right now? When did this skin hypersensitivity and the dry skin start?

Thanks for sending me the Itch-Be-Gone. Regardless of any other problems, I am sure I have painfully dry skin and would be delighted to fix it. (I almost wrote "eliminate," but that could imply I want my skin gone. No, enough is gone already, thanks).

I don't *know* it's Candida. Appearance and behavior match what I've found on the net the closest; this is the best I can do armed with internet access and a brain. I'm not a doctor. I explained that when I mentioned the problem in the first place, and said I may have to get professional eyeballs on my person before I get a real diagnosis. The zinc oxide may or may not be reducing the problem. The red patches weep so severely at times that it washes the zinc oxide off, so I have very healthy sheets and naked armpits, et. al. Would it work if it stayed on? Who knows. I also have some talc w/zinc oxide in it, but that has been too painfully drying to use as I might choose.

Yes, the reduction of melatonin has helped tremendously. I'm actually writing this while wearing real clothes! Even on my butt! Wow!

Cimetadine does not work for this. Antihistimines such as Benadryl, taken internally, do. I've also used something called Aveeno, which is calamine topical with an antihistimine. Like all topicals, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, sometimes I really, really wish I hadn't used it. I cannot explain this.

Current protocol: kocktail: 2 grams curcumin, 5 grams EGCG per day in coconut milk, thinned with regular milk as necessary. No quercetin yet per y'all.

Note that once upon a time I was taking Inosine, but dropped that back when the Shingles first made an appearance. I have not resumed, nor do I plan to until all this itching and other fun is well over, thanks.

It's kinda hard to say when the skin hypersensitivity started, because something has been wrong with my hide since the shingles started all that long time ago. Ever since I've been itchin' and scratchin' over something or the other; the causes may well have run together, for all I know. At this point, early problem areas such as my right forearm do not feel like human skin any more; they feel like badly-tanned leather. I'm not kidding. I also have some deep scars from the Shingles, mostly on my left leg, that I manage to open back up with depressing regularity in the wee small hours. Quite colorful.

The dry skin undoubtedly was a direct result of soaking in Epsom Salts to shrink and dry the Shingles on my butt, which were keeping me pretty much bedridden and had to -- simple had to -- go. This worked but left my skin very, very dry for some inponderable reason. Epsom Salts? Drying? Surprise!

I'd stay out of the tub entirely but sometimes I get this burning itch in a really personal spot, normally around 3am . I suspect it's from the weeping red spots (great name for a rock group!) because I find the fluid to be intensely caustic. This blissfully seems to be coming to an end; the red spots are remaining dry most of the time. Washing sometimes does the trick, sometimes not. Applying one thing or another sometimes helps, sometimes not. Also sometimes either of those treatments sends me running whimpering for the bathtub. You tell me; I haven't a clue.

Alas, there is no fregmekking way to soak my personals without getting most of me wet also. I of course no longer use Epsom Salts; their time is past and the damage already done in any case. I use dish soap. I use apple cider vinegar. I use essential oils. I use yogurt (that's fun to mix!). I have not tried peanut butter because of the arginine, but I think I've soaked my tushy in damned everything else I can find. I don't have a big enough can of WD-40. Any other ideas?

You said I was high maintenance. You have no idea, Bunky. It just gets worse all the time -- Blanche

You could be having an autoimmune attack of some kind that has nothing to do with a fungal infection. Anyway, drop the 5-htp now. We don't need your immune system overactivated right now. Also, drop the curcumin and substitute 2 grams of quercetin. We are going to conduct an experiment on your bod. Quercetin does a good job of blocking an early activation pathway in mast cells, those nasty skin cells that secrete histamine and serotonin. Let's see what happens.

Also, I meant to warn you that making a ton of the oral in advance is not advised. Some of these medicinals can go bad in storage. It’s better to only make one day at a time.

Dear Dr. Steve:
I know it can happen, but an "overactivated immune system" sounds so weird when applied. What immune system? she asks.

Okay, drop the 5-HTP. I'm a little leery about the Quercetin bit. We dropped the quercetin originally because it was preventing the migration of CD4 cells, and you felt that was contributing to my low CD4 count (55, remember, 55). Alas, I cannot place quercetin in the "itch time frame" because it helped with the Shingles but I was still taking it when the redness and itching in armpits and groin began.

We then dropped the quercetin and went to 2 grams curcumin/5 grams EGCG because we wanted to boost my CD4s. Since all your clients are doing different things for different reasons, I just thought I'd better remind you about the quercetin and the CD4 counts. I really need them-thar CD4s, even at the cost of itching. I'm in no hurry to be a good-lookin' corpse.

My own smart money is on the melatonin as a significant culprit right now. I'm still wearing actual clothing and not having to fight an overwhelming urge to rip them off and run around scratching and mumbling. Excellent. Looks like the melatonin dose reduction just took a few days.

The other thing that makes me comfortable with my original Candida diagnosis is that Stanley has had a redness-and-itching problem forever, and I may have contracted this from him while soaking. I never take baths; I'm strictly a shower person. Until now, and here's this hauntingly familiar problem. I may have the Stanley Crud.

If you think adding quercetin to a CD4 count of 55 is still the way to go, please let me know. I just need a double-check on this because the consequences are quite serious – Blanche

Blanche,
No, stay off the quercetin for now. If the itching began when the quercetin was being used, it isn't going to help you now.

Yes, I have too many different protocols going on at once. Continue taking the 5htp until the melatonin is out of your body in 3-4 days. See how you feel. You can always drop 5htp then to see what happens. Glad to know about the melatonin.

Dear Dr. Steve:
Okay, so I'm not changing anything until we've had a chance to see what the reduced dosage of melatonin can do.

Dear Dr. Steve:
J ust checkin' in. Reducing melatonin has gone a long way towards making me feel human once again, although I do not think it is the total answer.

The miscellaneous itching has reduced quite a bit, and only pops up after getting in the tub. I think "Itch-Be-Gone" should take care of the rest. I'm still molting pretty badly at armpits and groin, but hopefully that will diminish once I'm no longer so damned dry. Being able to stay out of the bathtub for a day or so would also be a tremendous help.

That will hopefully also settle the oozing I've been experiencing, and which is the culprit that sets off major itching and burning where it lands (armpits, groin). I try so very hard to wake up sufficiently to go wash off rather than starting to scratch, but sometimes the hands are in motion before the brain catches up. Argggh. I've also got flaking skin smack on the edge of my labia, damned near impossible to ignore or wash off without scrubbing more than is advisable. The only cure is soaking, no matter what it does to the rest of me. Trust me on this.

I have several spots that are "lichenizing," growing thick horny layers of skin where I have been scratching. On my butt and my entire right arm. The right elbow still looks like a doggie chew.

I have also just grown what I'm praying is a pimple on my left labia. It feels horribly like Shingles. Who's paranoid? I've been assuming all this time that the Candida or whatever has been following the old Shingles lesions because they're breaks in the skin barrier and easy to attack. If the Shingles is still with me, I'm in such deep brown doo-doo I can't begin to describe. If my next blood test indicates that I'm still dead, then it's probably Shingles after all. Note that I have no new lesions except this one and I can't really see that (not double jointed).

They do make medication for Shingles, which is called Famvir and is far from cheap. It is the only one, however, that still works after an outbreak has started; the others are for "heading off at the pass" and would obviously do me no good at this point. I will, however, pawn one of the cats or something and get it if that is what is needed. It's too

soon to tell if that's a wise choice as yet. I'm hoping the famous Itch-Be-Gone will at the very least isolate my problem somewhat so that I know which way to jump.

I'm tired of smelling like apple cider vinegar. Nice smell, but just not "me," if you understand.

4. I'm also having bouts of extreme cold; I cannot seem to get warm. I really think we have to get to the bottom of this skin stuff so I can quit stressing and go back to concentrating on the HIV, because I'm getting more than a tad worried. The last time I was this cold was when I had just come down from ICU. Then there's the redness in armpits and groin. Who's paranoid?

I'm glad you think I'm a fun mouse, what with all my problems. In your shoes, about now I'd be wondering why I ever got involved with this dipstick -- Blanche

Blanche,
I haven't made the cream yet. I am swamped right now. The webmaster is yelling at me because we are in the middle of changing everything and I keep changing my mind, and some clients are over using the privilege of calling me on the phone.

Keep in mind that the cream I am making is to increase the level of ceramide in your skin, to prevent loss of water and the formation of dry skin. It isn't an anti-itch cream per se.

Have you tried the topical EGCG on the nasty parts? You should certainly try it on the new bumps.

The extreme cold sensation is interesting because it involves c-fibers in the skin, just like itching. You have an excessive c-fiber sensitivity. Try about 1 gram of ibuprofen a day, 200 mgs five times a day. It inhibits the cox-2 enzyme which makes the prostaglandins which makes these c-fibers hypersensitive.

Dear Dr. Steve:
You poor dear. Hyper webmasters and crazed clients -- what a horrible combination. Why don't you give the clients your webmaster's phone number? Then he/she will be too busy listening to people bitch and ask stupid questions to pick on you. Two birds; simple.

I know you gave me your phone number early on in my treatment. I swore to myself that my lips would have to be falling off before I used it. I do believe you said "in case of emergency" or something to that effect. Maybe you need to send out a "generic" email (so nobody feels picked upon) reminding your clients that you indeed do have a life of your own and would simply love the time to live it? I often feel guilty about all the email, for pity's sake, and you can pick your times with that as you cannot with the phone. You did ask for an update on the nighttime itching. As always, my emails tend to develop a life of their own and run away with me.

I know you're not "into" skin, but you are familiar with my problems and protocols. I have my own weird theories, of course, but a second opinion is always good. Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Fascinating about the Ibuprofen, the cold sensation et. al. Excessive c-fiber sensitivity; what an absolutely weird concept! Already taking Ibuprofen, but will definitely watch for connection between "cold" and dosage. How long ago did I take any ibuprofen? Ohhhh. That's why I'm cold. This makes sense because I have noticed that the "cold" feels internal rather than external; it almost seems to grow from the inside outwards. Princess-and-the-pea-itis. A first for me.

Actually, I should be using the EGCG on my legs, whatever, where the lesions don't seem to want to heal and also sometimes itch. I can't really use it on my labia because first it makes a mess, then it comes off on clothes or sheets or whatever, and last it gets washed off every time I take a leak. Not practical. Not much is practical in that particular area. I will, however, give it a go on a leg and see what happens.

I know the Itch-Be-Gone isn't actually... well... for itching per se. I'm just hoping it will stop the flaking and reduce the itch to where I can stop scratching, which is doing me absolutely no good.

After sticking up for you against the dread webmaster, I now have to add that I've been in his/her position before all too many times. If you change your mind too often, you are in danger of strangulation. Trust me on this. All them damned files are linked and "nobody can change just one." Try to find the time to sit down with the webmaster, go over what your goals actually are, and decide what approach best fulfills those goals. Then go have a nap. -- Blanche

Blanche,
I am going to check out eczema for some answers. See, first the dry skin starts, then the itching, then opportunistic infections, then immune response goes nuts. Vicious circle.

I don't think your current problem has anything to do with Shingles. I am working on it.

Dear Dr. Steve:
I'm so glad you see no Shingles on my personal rooftop. That CD4 business was worrying. After enough time with no answers I was beginning to suspect alien invasion...

The EGCG indeed works on my left leg. Whether or not it will reduce the lesions remains to be seen. I'll let you know if I see a change.

The cycle you describe is indeed what seems to have happened to me. Shingles, then soaking in Epsom Salts to shrink and reduce the lesions (had to; couldn't sit or walk); Drying skin creates opportunities for whatever might be in the tub from me or Stanley. Low-level infection and more itching. Yep. – Blanche

Dear Dr. Steve:
Not quite sure what to say in this update. Had what seemed like the worst night of my life last night, but woke up feeling fairly good and have had a remarkably good and productive day. Go figure. I don't know what to expect from tonight.

Still taking just a little melatonin, and have reduced nothing else. Armpits oozing like faucets last night and couldn't put anything on them 'cuz it just washed away. Besides, it stung. That seems to have faded. The current leakage from hell is on my pubic bone (yeah, with all the hair and whatnot) but the "legpits" seem to be drying up. Maybe the stupid weeping will go from here to there and away. That would be nice. I'm waiting for the "Itch-Be-Gone" so that I can wash the snot outta everything and then re-moisturize what's left.

Overall, it seems that the lesions are again shrinking and drying, and if I can just keep from scratching the idiot things may wander off on their own. What a concept! Also, the plaque or whatever it was is starting to diminish with time. It seems to respond better to moisturizer than to being scratched off, but in the wee small hours

anything goes. Stanley still wants to try one of those old-fashioned diving suits, stuffed full of whatever helps. Like I said, he figures he can put the helmet back on if I get too bitchy.

Oh, meant to ask: Can I use topical cortisone again? Sometimes that is the most soothing thing I can think of to put on me puir little hide.

I may wind up ahead of the game. They say your skin replenishes itself every seven years; I think mine's oing that in a week or so. People pay really good money to go to a spa and get exfoliated, and here I'm getting the same treatment for free. What an ingrate! -- Blanche

Blanche,
Yes you can use topical cortisone. Sorry, but I am so swamped that I can't contribute much else right now.

Blanche,
I know who you are and where you live. Right now I am dealing with two very sick women who have lost the will to live. I'll be back with you in a few days.

Blanche,
Did you ever take the nicotinamide that we talked about? I have a number of potions that I am playing with right now. I will be sending them to you as concentrated alcohol solutions that you mix with lotions of your choice. It’s easier that way. One potion is designed to restore the ceramide in your skin, thereby alleviating the loss of water that you are experiencing. The other is meant to be rubbed into your sore, red areas. It is a derivative of nicotinamide that enters the skin readily. You cannot take ibuprofen or aspirin or Aleve when you put this stuff on your skin because it operates by stimulating the production of a certain kind of prostaglandin.

Yes, I got a B complex that you said contained sufficient nicotinamide. I didn't see any difference using it. The biggest difference I've seen was drastically reducing the amount of melatonin I was taking; that helps a lot. Also I'm using more antihistamines, especially at night. That is when scratching is irresistible and drives me totally buggy. I

know this is affecting my cell-mediated immune response, but there's no point in a healthy immune system when you have no skin.

Before this sad, brief intermission, we had been discussing reducing 5-HTP also. After my disastrous blood test, I had increased from 100mg to 300mg/day because you said it builds CD4s, and (with a CD4 count of 55) I thought I could use all the help I could get. I'm hesitant to do anything to reduce my immune response, considering my horrible numbers during the last test. Of course that was probably partially due to the Shingles, bur we can't really know that.

Do you need my protocol again so you can see if something needs to be reduced or replaced? I really need to stay on the EGCG and no quercetin, bumping my immune system as much as possible, until I get the next blood test, 'cuz I need good results to cheer my ass up. I'm gonna try to get in some time next week and get stuck.

Okay. The topical with the nicotinamide is not to be taken with any type of ibuprophen. How about other NSAIDs? Also, I have read that overuse of this vitamin can **cause** a rash. Not a good thing. That is taken

internally, of course; perhaps topically that would not happen. I just want to make sure because anything leading to a rash is definitely not the thing for me right now. Please! No more itching! I want my skin back. Whimper. (Boy, what a sniveler, huh?)

I've also developed a "spot treatment" for the really deep ugly lesions. I found some really, really small cotton balls; they look something like miniature marshmallows. Soak in the combined oils I've been using on spots (tea tree, emu, vitamin e, some neutral carrier; in this care canola). Put on lesion and cover with band-aid. They make some really neat band-aids these days. They are wide and tough and stay on really well, but none have cartoon characters. I feel so left out!

We also agreed I could go back to using topical cortisone, since the Shingles are apparently gone. That is an excellent choice and seems to help a lot. That reinforces your thoughts on a overblown immune reaction, huh?

I'm going to go meditate on what you have told me; I will hope for a remission, but most of all I will work for a quick and easy exit for those who are beyond help. Sometimes that's the best anyone can hope for.

Blanche.
Nicotinamide is anti-inflammatory and is also powerfully anti-AIDS. You have to take up to 3 grams a day of it. It causes some flushing, but it does NOT cause a rash (Note: Niacin causes flushing because it contains both Nicotinic acid (flushing) and Nicotinamide (no flushing to speak of)). It inhibits certain biochemical pathways that are very inflammatory and it prevents the HIV virus from destroying uninfected cells. I am serious. Your supplement is just that, a supplement.

You can try the two concentrates that I am going to send you tomorrow. Mix with lotion or aloe vera and report back to me.

Yes, get your blood tested. Let’s see where we stand. Remember, you are itching, you aren't dying. I was thinking, do you have any objection to sheep dip?

Dear Dr. Steve
Sheep Dip? Sheep Dip? I'm a mouse, not a sheep! Although, speaking of sheep, perhaps I should soak in lanolin? It's cheaper than WD-40.

So you want me to find a supplement that provides "up to 3grams/day" of nicotinamide? I'm currently taking 300mg/day. Perhaps a slow increase might be the ticket here? Give me a ballpark figure on dosage when you find the time.

I reserve the right to snivel. I'm already short about 25% of my skin coverage, believe it or not, and can't quit picking! Argggh! Snivel, whine, mumble. Actually, the cortisone and antihistamines are helping me hold 'n roll, but I'm looking forward to the super-moisturizer, as I think you are correct about dry skin layers causing a significant portion of my problems.

I hope I can get my blood test without any further hassle from CIGNA; they have their priorities and I have mine, y'know. Once I get the blood work, it will be a little over a week before the results are available. Then I have to fight to get my numbers without going in and getting "counseled." Double argggh.

I'm looking forward to trying out the new batches of skin stuff. Just so long as it's not sheep dip! Baaaaa – Blanche

Blanche,
I'd try 2 grams a day to start. Its dirt cheap on the net. Just make certain you buy the right stuff. It’s called vitamin B3 Niacinamide AKA nicotinamide. Do not buy something that is just called niacin.

This stuff will really help your immune system. It has also been used to successfully treat psoriasis, which is not your problem, but it is an inflammatory skin disease.

Dear Dr. Steve:
Okay, I think I got it. Thank you for all your trouble. I'll have to mix with the instructions right in front of me to be sure.

I've basically been living on ibuprofen, so this could prove most uncomfortable. I really hope magic compound X will do the same job of reducing inflammation as the ibuprofen. (pink skin or not; I don't care so long as it doesn't hurt or itch, I can live with pinkness).

Oh, also: Is there any application limit to this? That is, four times a day and my lips fall off, or something? I'd like to be in better shape before encountering any weird side-effects, thankyouverymuch.

I'm hopefully getting my blood test on Monday, which should be about the same time the stuff from you turns up. Also, that means we'll have a "pre-gloop" blood test result. In July, my first blood test was not a thing of joy: "100,000+" on the viral load and "about 55" on the CD4s. I don't know what to expect this time, but am crossing fingers, toes, eyes, etc. for a much higher CD4 count -- like over 200, please? I mean, I'm in remarkable shape for somebody who technically has rather advanced AIDS (by the numbers, that is) but I'd sure like to get my numbers into a more positive position nonetheless.

Except for the skin business (and that's a major exception, I'm afraid), I really feel quite good. I'm bored outta my skull, of course, since I still can't wear pants very long and that really keeps me at home. The world's just not ready... I also considered trying to get to the second-hand store and picking up a couple of "little old lady muu-muu's" to wear until pants are again an option. I'd look pretty silly, but they could cover the lesions and make me "street legal" so that I'm not trapped in the house.

At any rate, I think the boredom and impatience to be up and out are proof that numbers aren't everything; with over 100,000 viral copies and 55 lonesome CD4s to police them, I logically should be either in the hospital or pushing up daisies, and here I am bitching about being stuck at home. I think this is proof that the protocol works, if you have any current doubters mumbling about. Tell 'em if I had skin I'd be training for the Boston Marathon or something.

Again, thanks for going to all this trouble to brew this stuff up for me. Perhaps we will have something that will help others. I mean, yeah, it's not like I'm dying, it's only an itch -- but such an itch! -- Blanche

2. Tried coming off the ibuprofen so I could use the dread "X". So far no joy. I attempted this over the weekend and wimped out. Figured after I got the stuff I could maybe try again. Also note that the driest skin is on lower back and smack in the ol' bippy! (See previous emails). I can't use "X" there anyway.

3. This stuff really stings! Of course that's because of the isopropyl alcohol. Perhaps this is the time for a brief lesson in Blanche topography. There are two types of lesions remaining. On my legs I have gigantic herpes scars which are not doing much healing. These may not be active herpes but they are still quite open, oozing and icky. They are very deep and ugly. Also very ugly places where I have scratched at night and large pieces of Blanche are actually missing. I need Bondo. I have dry skin around all these, and am hoping that I can somehow apply the magic ointment around them, because it hurts a lot when the alcohol gets on the herpes themselves. Lots. In a lot of ways I'm better off with these lesions dry, because soaking or moisturizing encourages the scabs to come off and they're just not ready. Rolling over in bed pulls them off; so does pulling on pants. It doesn't take much. Then it's Bondo time. Here I am assuming that close adjacent application will work, because I really don't feel that much like dancing!

4. There are also some spots on my forearms; I'm not too concerned about them at this point. Ugly but healing. Someday these will be the most important because they are "public," but for now who cares?

5. The second real problem area is on my lower back. I have what I guess amount to bedsores running up and down my backbone, some of them quite impressive. I also have what feels like healing herpes on the flat part of my lower back. These are incredibly dry, and would be the ideal spot for ointment application except for the fact that they are raw meat! I've even considered some "spray-on" skin to take the strain off this area until it can heal a bit. I also need to pay close attention to these because they play the nerves for my entire butt and back, and weird things have been known to happen, often in the middle of the night.

6. The other complication is that now the old herpes appear to again to be going through a drying phase, and are shrinking almost visibly. I'd like to moisturize the areas between them (directly on them, as I said, is just not a valid parameter; I'm not that tough). Is that a possibility, or am I just wasting the stuff?

Important questions: what would happen if I left the top off the container of ointment and let the isopropyl alcohol evaporate? Would it leave the goodies behind or take them along into open air? I was also considering mixing stuff with the zinc oxide ointment, because it's thicker and doesn't tend to wander into open sores quite so much. It's also very white and would cut down on Pumpkinitis. Is there any reason why that should be a problem?

I think we kinda missed the window of opportunity on this moisturizer stuff. I think now I should maybe let everything dry and then try the moisturizer after things have settled down. See, that's the problem with two-legged mice. They're big enough to say "Ouch! I'm not doing that!" Little helpless lab mices don't have any choice. Large humanmice just don't behave. Squeak! -- Blanche

p.s.: Got blood test Monday. Should have results in about two weeks. I DO feel a heckuva lot better. If I can just get my hide back, I think things will work out!

Blanche,
I found some great info. on the biological potency, as in anti-inflammatory powers, of substance X. I will send you two more bottles tomorrow. X will be dissolved in water in one and 70% isopropyl in the other. I have to go to the store to get these solvents. I need distilled water.

Substance X induces an end to inflammation and kills activated CD4 t cells, which is good in the case of localized herpes infections. It also activates a nice pathway that is beneficial in controlling the HIV virus in general. Very cool...

Once we get the 99% isopropyl out of there, everything will be better. X will zip right through the skin in water but its best to put it in Aloe vera gel for better penetration.

It seemed that the mysterious "X" was the exact thing for my lower back, but the thought of putting alcohol on my ouchies was more than I was prepared to face.

Note that the last batch of stuff you sent me leaked. I don't think water has the same coefficient of expansion as alcohol, but I recommend leaving "headspace" in the containers. It's hot out here and the package comes in the late afternoon – a long time in a hot truck.

I'm assuming that the stricture against NSAIDs applies whatever this stuff is mixed with?

Blanche,
Coefficient of expansion? Oh God, I am dealing with a crazy woman who knows something. Yes, it is exciting. You have NO idea how exciting. Topically, I don't think taking ibuprofen is going to hurt since the amount of X we are applying topically so vastly exceeds the amount of ibuprofen in the area.

Dear Dr. Steve:
Is that worse than a crazy woman who doesn't know anything? Jury's out...

I'm glad we solved the ibuprophen hassle. I'm afraid I've damned well been living on it -- that and antihistamines. So far I haven't been committed, so I guess they're working. I hate doing that, but in the wee small hours I'll do anything to stop the itching and pain. I'm a wimp at 3am !

I assume that when I get the "X," I'll also get care and feeding instructions? I'm also assuming a little goes a long way. Where do I put it, exactly? I already know a couple of places I'm darned well NOT going to put it! How much how often? Anything obvious I can't use in the immediate area?

This could well replace Blanche's Herp-Be-Gone as the premier salve, huh? Also, it shouldn't tea stain the ol' bod -- a plus! It would also be safe for HBV clients 'cuz it wouldn't have any protease inhibitor to make that virus happy. Short-term local redness should not be a problem, although for somebody with low blood pressure, a vasodilator could be maybe a problem?

Dear Dr. Steve:
Waiting for the new stuff from you, and thought I'd try the moisturizer (sans "X"). There aren't a lot of spots I can use this 'cuz of the alcohol, but I had noticed that my feet were getting exceptionally dry and ugly, so I thought I'd put some of the stuff on there and see what happens.

At any rate, it soaked in very well (although I do have slightly orange feet; I'm sure there's tumeric in the damned pills) and after several hours I can't feel any greasiness. Even generic lotion usually leaves a bit of a film behind. My feet are much less dry and flakey on the callus parts.

I guess we can say that this one shows promise. Note that there is no X in this one, so there is no redness or flushing expected nor observed.

Stopped at the second-hand store on Monday and bought some cheap "little old lady" flowered muu-muu things. Now I can always answer the door; what a thrill! Also found that a pair of old wash pants doesn't seem to

bother me as much as the sweats, so perhaps I can get out a bit more. I think a lot of my problems come from sitting around (and sitting can sometimes be difficult 'cuz of my butt). I'm not doing enough and am bored, bored, bored. I am managing to stay positive but can't seem to shake the boredom. Perhaps with the ability to cover my butt relatively painlessly I'll at least be able to get out with Stanley ' grandma. Spending money is always fun. Next week I start training for the Boston Marathon. Well, maybe next year... Blanche

Mouse Blanche,
Here goes. I made up two bottles of X, one in distilled water (NEVER tap water to dilute this stuff, the chlorine will destroy X) and one in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Since I am the Supreme Allied Mouse, I put some of the water based product, straight, on the skin. This stuff has 5 grams of X in 2 ounces of water. I made a little circle, maybe the size of 2 silver dollars on my inner forearm. Nothing appeared to happen so I made up the isopropyl stuff. When I looked at my arm after ten minutes, it was definitely light red and it was spreading. Now after 30 minutes, it’s less red, but it spread over an area 5-10 times the original application area. Little buggar likes to move and that’s great. No pain and no inflammation, but there is definitely a sensation in addition to warmth. If alcohol was used, the X would penetrate faster, but that's not really the point. When I used the stuff I sent you, I got flushed in the face. Not with the water base.

I would use the water base directly on the herpes lesions and the fungal infection, if that’s what it is. Remember, its going to spread out over the skin so you don't need to apply it all over. After the vasodilation, the prostaglandins released by X will be metabolized to a potent molecule that is very anti-inflammatory, very anti-cancer, and very anti-virus. I believe it should shut down your herpes lesions and your other inflammations all by itself. Apply it once a day. You, being a Mouse and all, have to determine how much X to use on your skin.

It’s been 45 minutes and my skin is still pink. Its amazing how this stuff spreads. You can actually see a leading edge as the stuff moves through the skin. Cool...

Dear Dr. Steve:
I can see the headlines now: "Help! I'm having an attack of Spreading Pinkness!" Far better than the Great Pumpkin, if you ask me. Or low-flying tea stains...

Okay, water-based for lesions. In spite of the sensational headlines at the top, it sounds really neat how the stuff spreads. I think I'll start small and work my way up. I don't know if "X" will sting in an open lesion or not. Probably depends on the sore; sometimes plain water stings, so who can tell?

I'll let you know how the Spreading Pinkness goes. Supreme Allied Mouse, huh? I think it should be "Fearless

So, I am driving to the post office, minding my own business, when I looked at the rear view mirror. My right eye is bloodshot and there is a red circle the size of a quarter under the eye in the corner opposite the side that is near the nose. I mean my eye in the corner looks like it’s full of blood...ugly. I must have rubbed my eye after applying X to my forearm. Here is the news. I could feel NOTHING. No pain, no inflammation, no tears, no nothing. I am only slightly aware something is amiss in my eye and probably only because I know its there. I didn't feel a thing.

What I don't do for you, Blanche darling. However, I still refuse to drink YUCKKO (Note: Oral cancer treatment protocol boiled in coconut milk. Tastes horrible.)

X in water might have some sensation in your open wounds, but its not going to be pain. The color in my forearm is gone, but I can still see the faint outline of the leading edge of X moving through the skin. Watching this stuff move through the skin is a hoot.

Dear Dr. Steve:
THE BIG CHEESE needs to learn to wash his little hands, huh? I once got chili oil in a really personal spot because I didn't wash first. This was an amazing sensation and one that does not ever need to be repeated.

I'm looking forward to getting the stuff. Do try not to hurt yourself. – Blanche

Blanche,
I will try. I am staying away from the fresh and pickled jalapeno today. I don't want to push my luck.

Don't dilute the water based X too much when applying it to the wounds. Remember, the anti-inflammatory factors are metabolites of PGD2 which is induced by the niacin. Once they are made they aren't going to last long so don't dilute it by more than half in the beginning. Pick a herpes lesion and test it. I can always send you more concentrated stuff later.

Your Cheeseness:
Just got the "X." Tried the water-based stuff straight on a couple of spots on my feet. These are fairly small and separated from other lesions.

I didn't really get very pink. This is straight from the bottle, mind you, applied with a Q-tip. I know you take blood pressure medication and my blood pressure is actually a tad low (if I stand in one spot too long I get dizzy). Could that be why my vaso's didn't dilate as much as yours? I shook the container very thoroughly before using. I do notice the itching stops; only time will tell what healing is happening. There is also a faint whitish film on the applied areas. It's almost chalky but very subtle; you have to look for it.

The main spot I'd like to use "X" is on my lower back, which looks remarkably like hamburger. The stiffness there is a real problem; I try to roll over in the middle of the night and everything cracks open. This tends to really ruin a good night's sleep, let me tell ya. Alas, I can't use any isopropyl on that part of my anatomy because I don't feel that much like dancin'. Can I mix the water-based "X" with something soothing and moisturizing to try to heal this poor body part?

My plan at this point is to keep using the straight water-based "X" on the spots on the feet and see what happens. I'm looking for an appropriate spot for the isopropyl mixture, but that will have to wait for morning. I hesitate to experiment right at bedtime 'cuz it's a long time to lie awake and wish I hadn't, if you get my drift.

Your Cheeseship:
Sent you an update Friday with the subject line "creeping pinkness." This may have upset your spam filter. Just wanted you to know that I am reporting results like a good Mouse.

This morning I used the water-based stuff on all the spots on my right leg. Stung a little in the worst spots, but it was manageable. The skin immediately surrounding the spots turned quite red for a few seconds and then faded out. After that there was an annoying little overall itch, which faded gradually.

I'm not, however, getting to have fun watching the color spread; a terrible disappointment. If the stuff works I guess I can live with that.

Blanche,
Keep it up. The lack of redness is probably caused by the neutralization of the niacin by the inflammatory factors. Keep adding it, maybe twice a day. If it shows progress, I can always make the stuff more concentrated for you.

Dear Cheese (Big):
Haven't done any moisturizer yet. The worst spots for dryness are along my ribs (safe) and my upper back (unsafe; don't want isopropyl running into my lower back, the sight of which is enough to make strong men flinch at the moment).

I'm gonna have to dragoon Stanley into becoming an applicator to get the upper back. That can be difficult; it's hard to get him to hold still; but we'll see. The ribs are the logical spot for a trial run. I'll try to get to that sometime this morning or early afternoon. I am currently drying a container I washed and rinsed with distilled water; no point in going through all this trouble and then cutting my own throat. Once the jar is ready, I'll mix up some stuff.

Dear BC:
I mixed about 3 tsp PS and 1 tsp X (70%) in about 1-1/2 oz Noxema. Yeah, I know, you think I'm weird to use Noxema, but it's cheap and ideal for this purpose because it's a lot thicker than, say, Vaseline IC. If I put some on my upper back it won't wind up in the lesions below. This could be important. If somebody doesn't want to use Noxema and wants to avoid runs, I'd suggest some neutral cold cream, maybe something from Nutrogena.

Anyhow, I put the resulting mixture on upper back (as much as I could reach) and ribs. Almost froze when the isopropyl evaporated; I need to remember to apply this when the house is warm. Then I was attacked by a million little ants, with their little itchy feet. Nobody bit me, thank heavens. Just itchy ant feet everywhere the stuff was spread.

After about 2-3 minutes (or an eternity, depending on how you look at it) the itching subsided and now everything feels fine. Still no redness/pinkness etc.

Blanche,
The redness is due to prostaglandin synthesis. The Noxema could have stuff in it that prevents it. It’s not important because rehydrating your skin and taming your lesions are two separate things. Let me know how the rehydration process goes.

Little ant feet sensations are caused by little invisible ants. Don't you know anything?

Dear Big Cheese:
Y'know, for an immunologist you make a pretty good dermatologist.

My right elbow is in love with you, and my lower back is thinking very warm thoughts at the very least. I've been madly slathering the formula on various body parts all day, giggling strangely to myself.

Apparently little ant feet are also caused by some biochemical reaction. I've yet to see an invisible ant, but a first-time application anywhere causes little ant feet. There may be a reduced reaction on the second application, but after that it feels like... well... Noxema.

In the concentration mentioned in the first pertinent email, there is little or no stinging even where I'm raw. I get a red outline around an open lesion, which fades rather quickly. Also there is a very faint, subtle whitish residue that stays behind with the "X," whether water-based alone or isopropyl with something else. I have no idea what it is, but it may attract tiny ants.

There has also been a buildup around some of the lesions that made them look somewhat like impact craters. That is exfoliating gently, rubbing off with any contact and leaving raw but healing skin behind. Also, the weird callus on my right elbow is sloughing off. Healthy skin does not appear to be affected.

I'm having too much fun. Right now, the plan is to continue slathering with the isopropyl mixture. I'll give it a day or two and see if any lesions are proving stubborn. If so, they get the straight-from-the-bottle water-based treatment.

Except for the occasional little ant feet, I don't itch and there is no pain. Relief is wonderful – Blanche

Dear Big Cheese:
This has been a very strange trip. I think what happened was that the Shingles made a short comeback attempt, cleverly "walking in its own footsteps" to avoid detection. Sneaky. I believe this because things were almost cleaned up at one point and then the lesions started getting deeper and uglier again. I attributed this to a fungal or yeast

infection. I definitely did have a secondary infection, but whether or not it affected the old lesions I don't know. Perhaps it was a secondary; perhaps it was the Revenge of the Son of Herpes; I have no way to tell.

1. The original "elbow from hell." This is the right elbow and had what appeared to be plaque. I know Shingles, although a virus, does indeed form plaque on occasion, so thought that was what it was. It was thick enough to interfere with the action of the joint, and itched maddeningly when scratched, which I did of course in the wee small hours. This appears to be a leftover and did not, in my opinion, need further antiviral treatment. The formula has done marvels for the elbow in just one day. Softened everything; the thick layers are coming off with gentle rubbing; no scratching required. Wondermous.

2. Some itching on my forearms (which had been clear) which led in turn to midnight scratching and new open lesions. These are small (1/16"-1/8"). Again, I only used the combination here because the main problem was the itching rather than the lesions. They feel infinitely better and are closing. Not scratching may be all they needed to heal.

Ugly #1; Legs: These are much larger lesions. 1/4-3/4" in diameter (mostly smaller; it's not that bad). Many are quite deep. They run from and including the knees to and including the ankles on both legs, mostly on the front. I pick them open in my sleep. Argggh.

These are the ones that I am hitting the hardest with the water-based treatment. I use a q-tip to saturate the lesions and usually do two or three applications at a time. (Apply, air dry, apply, air dry, apply) to make sure the niacin penetrates the scabs (obviously can't rub here) and gets down into the wound.

4. Ugly #2; lower back: This is the singlemost irritating and debilitating of the problems. Turning over at night wakes me up whimpering, because everything is locked together by general fluid ooze. It itches when dry and leaks when soft. A real problem area, eh? I'm still soaking in the mornings because everything's all glucked together and yucky. The soak loosens the gluck and lets me move again. Of course, the tub contains tap water (can't afford a tubful of distilled), so I have to wait quite a while and make sure I'm thoroughly air-dry and the chlorine has evaporated before putting anything on the lesions. Then I use “X” in water. Here I use a cotton ball because I

can't see and there are a lot of smaller lesions, some growing on top of others. Yucky. The best thing is to hit 'em all several times; saturation bombing.

This is the area where I'm using the most “total formula” because it's just in a terrible spot for mobility. I need to keep it moist and soft while it heals. This lets me move while I'm waiting. Nice.

Miscellany: There is a selection of lesions on my butt, pretty much covering the spectrum of all the other places. I'm ignoring these for the moment except for a little moisturizer.

Whitish residue: This is very faint and subtle and looks mostly like faint mineralization on a glass. It's barely there but is definitely not part of the skin. It appears wherever the niacin is spread but there does appear to be more around and in an open lesion. I really don't think it's dead skin because it happens too quickly, appearing as soon as the area is dry.

Sleep: No pain, no oozing. Everything's drying up. I had very little itching and that was mostly little ant feet 'cuz I'm still discovering new spots on which to apply this stuff. At night I am of course using only the combination mixture wherever it seems appropriate. It's amazing where it seems appropriate! I've already trained myself to sit up and apply the mixture rather than scratching.

Odd Notes: I've had a "subcutaneous cyst" on my left tit for years. It's nothing to worry about but is very ugly; I hate it. At any rate, since using the “total formula” (which I slather wherever I think it will help, including armpits), the cyst has changed. It started oozing and, when squeezed, produced a quantity of yucky light-tan fluid that smelled awful! Very organic, if you understand. The dark part of the cyst is about 1/16"-1/8" diameter, and it sits in a slightly raised area. This was happening when I woke up in the night for a potty break, and it really smelled awful. Did I mention it smelled awful?

At any rate, the oozing has stopped. The cyst is still there, although I swear it looks smaller. I've currently got a band-aided cotton ball on it soaked in tea tree oil. Yes, I know, but tea tree is known for this kind of thing. The Tea Tree Oil is excellent for loosening old scabs and encrustations. We'll see. I'm sure the niacin had something to do with this but damned if I know what. Mousing.

Note comments on “total formula” and elbow plaque. Also note my comments on Tea Tree oil and oozing spots; this is an established protocol. Can't hurt. This turned into a book and I still think I've forgotten stuff – Blanche