Urticaria

15 September 2020

National Eczema Week 2020 unmasking the truth about eczema
(gifted/unpaid/affiliate link for Odylique)
"National Eczema Week 2020 will be about the wider impact of eczema on people’s lives. We carried out a survey on different aspects of living with eczema and will be revealing results from this survey during the week on our social media channels, unmasking the truth of what it’s like to live with eczema.Through sharing these findings, we want to empower people to talk about eczema, knowing that others are going through similar experiences, and to seek the care and support they need. We also want to improve public awareness of eczema’s impact on daily life and build greater understanding of the condition." eczema.org

For those not familiar with my story, I've had atopic eczema since birth. At various points in my life I've experienced severe flare ups but at the moment it's a milder condition. Lockdown has triggered a break out around my neck and shoulders. I put it down to the worries and stress from everything that has happened, I've been made redundant and we lost friends to the virus.

I'm going to use this post as a recap for readers. As you know my blog has been built around my experiences of eczema and allergies so I've covered a fair amount over the years.

My Diagnosis
I'm in my 40's and to catch you up on my life, from birth to age 10 my eczema was severe and I had medical treatments and allergy diagnosis. Forward to 2014 when I decided to seek help for a flare up which I had been treating for years and it wouldn't go away no matter what I tried. The diagnosis that followed has been documented in the following articles -

My Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food syndrome)
Dietitians & Dermatologists - patch test reaction for Linalool and MI, Urticaria and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Final Diagnosis

My Tips for managing eczema
Here are some of my articles offering personal tips for managing eczema and product recommendations

For Skin Prone to Eczema - recommended Creams and Balms

Odylique have products which I highly recommend for skin prone to eczema. I have a reader discount code to share and to receive 20% off your order use code SUGARPUFFISH at Odylique

From Past to Present
The majority of skincare reviews after 2014 will feature products that are fragrance free or at minimum free from linalool so keep this in mind when scrolling through my blog. I continue to analyse formulations as I'm conscious not to trigger eczema and allergic reactions. It's important to have on hand creams that specifically treat dry and itchy skin but the rest of the time focus on a healthy and gentle top to toe routine.

How has eczema impacted your life?

Sarah x

2 January 2015

Dermatologist Patch Testing for Skin Allergies
Disclaimer - The information provided is for guidance and is not a substitute for medical advice. My sources 
www.bad.org.uk & www.eczema.org

December was a busy month for Hospital appointments. The Allergy Consultant I saw in August had referred me to a Dietitian and Dermatologist. I don’t have much to say about my dietitian appointment. I was assured that I have been managing my free from diet well and I clearly know my way around the Free From aisle. The only advice was to up my calcium intake and challenge my OAS. (click here to read about my Oral Allergy Syndrome diagnosis)

As I have never seen a Dermatologist for my eczema the consultant thought it was worth a referral for further skin tests. Dermatologists are able to test substances like metals, perfumes, plants and household chemicals. Testing involves three appointments in the same week as reactions can take a longer time to develop. As the photograph shows during my first appointment, substances were applied to my back in special small containers held within a tape. On the second visit the patches were removed, the tests were marked out and any reactions noted. On the third visit, the Dermatologist takes a final reading and discusses any results.

The outcome of my patch testing was a mild reaction to Hydroperoxides of Linalool and MIT (Methylisothiazolinone), however, I was warned about false positive due to my eczema. MIT is a preservative I have always avoided but perhaps my love of lavender will have to end given the linalool result. For as long as I can remember my eczema has always been referred to as Atopic. The dermatologist confirmed this but also believes I have Seborrhoeic Dermatitis and Urticaria. 

Seborrhoeic (pronounced seb-or-A-ik) simply means a rash appears in areas of the skin with large numbers of grease (sebaceous) glands, such as the scalp, face and centre of chest. According to the literature provided to me, Seborrhoeic is not fully understood, but yeast called Malassezia that lives on skin plays a part in causing it (FYI this is not the same yeast present in foods or that causes thrush). 

Urticaria is also known as hives or nettle rash. It is caused by the release of histamines from cells in the skin called mast cells and can be triggered in many ways. From my research, it looks like this may explain my reactions to penicillin, some foods and grass.

Where do I go from here? It certainly has been an interesting set of appointments. I have confirmed in my own mind that I was not wrong about my extremely sensitive skin and my decision to avoid certain ingredients is worth continuing. I have been informed taking anti-histamines on a regular basis (normally I only take during hayfever season) may help with the Urticaria. The Seborrhoeic dermatitis is the tough one as it appears treatments manage the condition but do not cure it. At this stage I have declined prescription creams and steroids. Antifungal treatments are the recommendation but I will be seeking a natural alternative. Some people may think I am bonkers to turn down treatment but I quit prescription eczema medications 16 years ago after noticing damage to my skin so I am extremely reluctant to use them again. I return to my Allergy Consultant in February and I will be blogging my progress following the Dermatologist's diagnosis. I am now googling like mad and if any readers have experience of these conditions and can offer advice then please do leave a comment below.

Sarah x

19 August 2013

skin problems and living with eczema
I have to confess that I am struggling for product reviews at the moment. I’m suffering from random rashes and eczema breakouts and it is making testing products a struggle because I have to be so careful. This is the reality of my life. Just when I am lulled into a false sense of security and preaching to the internet, then this happens.

It is always frustrating trying to pin point what triggered the latest eczema breakout. My skin is not my friend at the moment and it is driving me around the bend. Random rashes are make me feel less confident in my skin and do not make me feel sexy. People often compliment my skin but this is what is lurking under my clothes. Luckily this time my eczema is not causing me too much trouble in terms of pain or irritation.

I'm often asking myself why does my body hate me so much? why can’t I just be normal? I am not going to lie, at this moment in time I absolutely hate my eczema and allergies. How do I deal with it? I have a moan about it and then take positive steps to manage it.

Anyone else struggling with their sensitive skin and eczema? Lets all have a cry about it together and I'm sending out virtual hugs to you.

Sarah x

Update: this flare up on my shoulder pictured above was later diagnosed as Urticaria

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