One Week Later...

It's been exactly one week since the last allergy flare up occurred, and since I stopped using that cream. The good news is that the skin on my face and neck are no longer lumpy and it seems to have gone back to normal, but there's still a tiny bit of a rash that spread to my ears; It isn't visible but it itches from time to time and I can feel that the skin is dry and flakey when I touch it.

So what did I do to get back to normal? Not a lot really. Time seems to be the best to get over these allergic out bursts, which isn't something you want to hear if you've just had an allergic reaction like mine.  I've found that if I can find the cause and eliminate it immediately, then roughly a week later, I'm back to normal.

I did start really watching what I ate though. I was very strict with making sure that I ate absolutely nothing that I thought would even be remotely contaminated with ingredients that I have to avoid. This also included limiting the amount of soy, which is usually a key ingredient in many gluten-free foods. My meals were therefore kept simple, especially when eating out: Plain steaks (i.e. no sauces), baked or roast potatoes, plain rice, roast beef, roast or steamed vegetables, and lots of fresh fruit. At home, I continued to make sauces from fresh ingredients to add to my meals.

I also avoided caffeine completely, as I've found that when my body goes through an allergic reaction, any caffeine, however small, further stimulates my already over stimulated adrenalin glands, making the entire allergic reaction much worse. I've been drinking herbal teas instead, plus the usual water and fruit juices.

I haven't put any cream on any of the skin that was irritated. It started to get a bit on the dry side as it was getting better, but I'd rather it dry than red, blotchy, raised and itchy. Longer warm showers always makes my irritated skin feel better. No changes to the standard shampoos or soaps either. I should probably also mention that I don't bother following any special facial skincare routine - no special facial scrubs, no fancy cleaners, no toners, and no creams. Straight soap and water works for me. I use the same Perfect Potion soap for my face as I do for my body. I should also point out that most of those facial cleansers, toners, etc., are laced with sulphites, benzoates and other nasties. I have tried them in the past, and it was on my last attempt that I ended up with all of my allergies really flaring up for the first time ever. That was last year, which brings me to where I am now. (I'll have to do a separate post on all of the things that I do use in the bathroom... with photos.)

It's the Australian Food Allergy Awareness Week this week. Tomorrow night on Twitter, there will be an allergy chat at 9pm (AEST). Apparently Australia has one of the highest prevalence of food allergy in the world. From where I'm sitting right now, that doesn't surprise me. I'll be joining the chat as I'm definitely interested on what others have to say on the topic and what tips there are out there for dealing with allergies.