Be The Match Feature Story - Graft-versus-host disease (or GVHD) of the skin is a reality for many transplant recipients. As a common side effect of transplant, it can affect many parts of the body. Do you know how to spot skin GVHD? Do you need advice for coping with the ongoing management of GVHD? Dr. Stephanie Lee and Everett, a transplant recipient, offer insights and advice to help.
What You Should Do Once a Month
Whether or not you’re currently experiencing GVHD symptoms, it’s always important to look for changes. “The sooner we can treat your symptoms, the better. We want you healthy,” says Dr. Stephanie Lee, Professor of Medicine at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
“Once a month, stand naked in front of a mirror and look at your body. Feel your skin. Look for changes. You know your body better than anyone else,” she says. “If you notice anything unusual, tell your doctor right away. Don’t ignore early symptoms of skin GVHD, which can include: a rash, itching, thickness, tightening, burning (in rare cases), or problems moving joints.
When It Just Won’t Go Away
Everett has been managing chronic GVHD of the skin for the past ten years. While his GVHD has not been severe, it’s certainly been an ongoing challenge. He experienced a defining moment many years ago with his doctor. “After a frustrating episode with my GVHD, I asked if she could just fix it and she said, ‘No. You have this.’ That’s when I really understood that this is something I would have to manage for life.”
Everett explains that the appearance of his GVHD— loss of pigment (dark and light lesions) on his face, legs and feet—can be uncomfortable at times. He works in sales and often has face-to-face interactions with clients. “It can be an issue,” he says, “People can tell something is going on.”
Scenarios like this can be difficult, but Everett says, “I’m grateful that I have the type of personality that allows me to stay positive and not sweat the small stuff.” He encourages others to have a positive attitude and to work closely with their doctor. “If you can, stay with the one doctor. And always follow doctor’s orders.” Through a referral from his transplant doctor, he’s had the same dermatologist through it all. This relationship has helped him learn to manage his GVHD in new ways, like trying different lotions and ointments prescribed by his doctor.
Dr. Lee agrees that GVHD can be challenging, but working together with your medical team and following precautions like avoiding the sun can make all the difference. “Patients can become frustrated with long-term management of GVHD— especially if treatments aren’t working as well as they once did. But don’t give up. Talk to you doctor and let us find what works best for you,” says Dr. Lee.
Team up with your doctor to find the best treatment
“Many treatments are available but it comes down to what works best for you. Sometimes that means trying different treatments regimens—what works one day may not work as well next month, so tell us how things are going and we can keep trying new things together,” Dr. Lee says. “If a treatment is not working well—don’t try to adjust it yourself, that could be dangerous. That’s what we’re here for—to help you stay healthy and feel better.”