Devon's interview
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How did all start?
It started the day l was born, they say i was born with red eyes and my foot sole had a yellowish color. My doctor mistook it for an STI so they got both my parents tested, but the results came negative. After about a year or so l started to develop had skin on one of my heels and in the cold it would crake and sometimes bleed if not moisturized. When l was 5years old my mom took me to the nearby clinic, they did their tests but no real diagnosis or solution came. It was depressing for both my mom and myself, but we were not going to give up. Because the rough skin on my heel was 'irritating' my dad thought of cutting it with a surgical blade after soaking it in hot to warm water then use a file to smoothen it. That was a relief for me because i was getting shy and l would always wear closed shoes. That care worked and l still use it till today and now l can comfortably wear open slaps around the house and other open shoes outside the house (even though its will be for a short time). As a teenage things started to change. l got more and more curious as to the causes of my condition and to know the right diagnosis, so visited a GP in our area and he referred me to a Dermatologist in the capital city. l had to travel about 263km to see him. Finally l received the diagnosis and that's when l started researching about Keratoderma. l am happy that i now know my skin condition and even though its a rare condition, I AM NOT ALONE (in the fight both to let others know about and to find its cure).
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
YES. 16 years.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
i used oral retinoids and a paste with 10% salisilic acid. They have helped to remove some of the rough skin
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Soaking my feet, cutting the rough skin, filing and moisturizing.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Winters (the rough skin tend to come out faster than in other seasons) & the body flexibility to cut some or the affected areas.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
The other part of my leg has been affected over the years and l can not cover the area unless l am long skirts or pants, without that l am always an object of stares, besides that, l am ok. My family understands my condition, but l find it very difficult to tell friends.
What things have you stopped doing?
Walking bare foot & wearing open shoes for more that 3hrs.
What do you think about the future?
l pretty much see myself not different from others. l can still pursue all my goals and PPK is not going to stop me.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
My adult years have been the best years because l now have a sense of responsibility and l can take care of others in my family and feel useful
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
To wear open shoes all the time and to walk bare foot around the house
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
l am satisfied and happy, though shy (or rather embarrassed) sometimes.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Stay positive and do what you got to do.
