Living with Kaposi's sarcoma

Most people feel overwhelmed when they are told that they have KS. You’re likely to experience many different emotions. These are part of the process many people go through in trying to come to terms with their illness. Reactions differ from one person to another. There’s no right or wrong way to feel.

Our section on the emotional effects of cancer| discusses the different feelings you may have and tells you about the help that's available.

Partners, family and friends often have similar feelings and may also need support.

For some people KS may be the first sign that they have HIV/AIDS, and coming to terms with this can be very difficult. There are many organisations that offer help and support to people with HIV/AIDS.

Coping with skin lesions can be difficult, especially if they’re very visible. It may be possible to use skin camouflage to cover small flat skin lesions and make them less noticeable. Some clinical nurse specialists, the British Association of Skin Camouflage| and the British Red Cross| offer a camouflage makeup service and teach you how to apply it.

If you have lymphoedema| as a result of KS this can also be hard to cope with, but there are ways in which it can be treated and improved. There are specialist nurses who treat lymphoedema and run clinics that you can be referred to.