If there is one thing I try to hide from people, it’s the fact that I have dry, itchy skin that often turns into hives and a red rash as a result from scratching. It’s not cute. I have trouble sleeping and wake up scratching. I avoid hugging as certain detergents, perfumes and fabrics can cause me to itch. I wear long sleeves and jackets so people don’t ask me if I’m “ok” since it’s most prominently on my arms.
My usual answer is yes, I’m fine. And no, it’s not contagious. But thank you for making me uncomfortable.
The Early Years
Like 1-3 percent of the adult population, I was diagnosed with eczema as a kid. Mixed in with memories of playing Barbies and playing outside, some of my earliest memories are of me crying while my mom tried to console my scratching with fresh aloe vera, topical creams and visits to allergists and naturopathic doctors.
I was put on a specific diet following the “prick” allergy test. Unfortunately, the test results contained many false positives. I wasn’t allergic to the majority of the foods and avoiding them left me annoyed that I couldn’t eat the same foods as my siblings. Think of all the chocolate I missed out on!
Life Now
Eczema is tied to allergies and asthma, especially in adults. One doctor I saw called this the medical trifecta. As one to never be outdone, naturally this is me.
Over the summer, I was talking with one of my friends about food allergies. She had a rash on her chest and discovered it was related to food allergies. This got me thinking. Since I didn’t have asthma as a kid, but developed it later in life, did I potentially develop allergies too?
I started reading and researching everything I could. All new, old and relevant data on eczema and the linkage to food allergies. The scientific data isn’t particularly strong, and I’m already doing everything I can from a prescription standpoint. Maybe it is time to take my search for relief elsewhere.
This Brings Me to Thanksgiving
I’ve never made a turkey before and this year, I’ve accepted the challenge. But not just any challenge. I’m going to make a full Thanksgiving meal with no dairy, wheat, soy or eggs. My friends at Jennie-O were kind enough to provide coupons to help support this endeavor. They have an Oven-Ready Turkey (Gluten-Free) that sounds like the perfect thing for my novice cooking skills!
Comment below with a turkey tip for me and you could win a coupon for your own bird!
Stay tuned. This should be interesting…
