Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

POSTED UNDER TCA Peel REVIEWS

Does TCA Work on Scars & Why Isn't It Covered Under Bluecross/blueshield Medicare Advantage?

ORIGINAL POST

Hi, I am a 50 year old African American with...

lisamariemd
$30
Hi, I am a 50 year old African American with smooth dark spots left from chicken pox that I had when I was 10. Throughout the years I have worn long sleeves even in the summer. I also have genetic disorder called trimethylaminuria, which worsened leaving me with a hideous smell, where keeping a job was impossible, I've loss over 8 jobs, 3 homes, and ultimately homeless(No job-no income- cannot pay bills rent, etc). Other scars are from bug bites which left marks from me sleeping by buildings shelters complained of odor so I slept outside I now am stable(on disability) and have bluecross/blueshield medicare advantage but insurance does not cover dermtology to remove scars. I have thought to do a TCA at home chemical peel, because I cannot afford the price of a dermatologist for other proceedures. How safe is this and can I use a numbing cream for pain? Hopefully iontophoresis machine treatments will help trimethylaminuria so I can work again, I miss that. But now in an apartment where I am thankful for none the less.

lisamariemd's provider

Replies (21)

User Avatar
June 5, 2016

Have you posted your question to our Ask a Doctor forum? They may be able to provide you with the information you're looking for. I would also encourage you to reach out to others in the community who have similar experiences. 

I wish you the best!

June 5, 2016
Hi Chris, thank you for your suggestion. I believe I have new to this site, so I hope I posted correctly. I have not been contacted by a doctor as yet. The post is new and doctors are busy, this I understand, so I will remain patient. Thank you
June 9, 2016
Hi,
I have replied and noted the question to the doctors section. But the answers were to go to a dermatologist. This I cannot afford, I will seek answers from the forum, thank you...
June 5, 2016
Hi- I had never heard of trimethylaminuria, so I just looked it up on the Internet and found a whole board of sufferers. They mentioned drinking lots of strong black tea, and taking hot baths with 5 to 7 black tea bags per bathtub full. Have you tried this ? It apparently works pretty well. I don't know the answers to your questions, but I would ask the doctors on this site. Good luck in your quest for some improvement or a cure for your condition !!!
June 5, 2016
Thank you soooooo much for taking the time to care, it means the world to me. Yes I have tried the teas, supplements, botox, many, many baths, specific soaps, etc. Now on iontophoresis treatments. I have an organization connecting suffers to doctors specializing in trimethylaminuria, and talked and participated in news broadcast to bring awareness. I am hoping the iontophoresis can assist me, but I do not allow it to take over my life. That is why I am concentrating on lifting my self esteem and taking better care of my skin and body. I am looking into weight loss and having beautiful skin. I have gone to some dermatologist where when I tell them where the bites come from they turn disrespectful to me as if I now was worth nothing. However this sheds no light on the caring and supportive doctors out there. Again thank you so very much... Lisa marie mardis, birmingham alabama
June 5, 2016
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Y1QmLyWy0&feature=youtu.be
Pass it on it may help someone. But for now increased self esteem is my goal, lose that weight and pretty skin. I seen some amazing stories here with beauty transformation and smiles, I am glad I'm here and a part of it.
June 5, 2016
You can use whitening creams or peeling laser which would decrease the degree of discoloration
June 5, 2016
Thank you, I have considered tretinoin cream, I found on ebay.
June 6, 2016
BCBS will not usually cover cosmetic procedures. No insurwnce does except under certain circumstances like a congentital disorder.
As far as TCA I woulnd recommend. It requires experience and it could have to opposite effect of what you're trying to achieve. You could try Glyone exfoliating body lotion or Amlactin alpha hydroxy moisturizing lotion. For your face you could try glytone step up. You could stat with step2 but only use it every thir day until you get used to it. Also for all of these products you wil need to use a sunscreen. Us it all of the time when youre out. They have glycolic acid and you can get reverse hylerpigmentation if you dont. Also dont spend a ton of time in the sun. Glycolic is much safer. The products ive recommended will work but be sure to allow yor skin to become acclimated. It you feel a lot of discomfort wait a day. Read the literature from their sites and read reviews. For glytone a good place for reviews is dermstore. But buy them where ever you get the best deal. Amlactin can be purchased at drugstores. The glytone online. Good luck
June 6, 2016
Thank you for your advice
June 6, 2016
I jever heard of your disorder but i looked it up. This site has a lot of info on treatment, cause, clinical trials, testing, etc. https://www.genome.gov/11508983/
They discuss some of the foods that exasperate the condition. However they do say its is best to get information on treatment from You healthcare provider. I wish you luck