Growing up I was your typical eczema victim. Red rashes on my forearms were consistent.. no prescription ever seemed to truly help. I was given your standard allergy test, which is being stuck in the arm multiple times with various outdoor/indoor assaulters. The test came back with non-conclusive results. Apparently I did not have any allergies, just “sensitive skin”. I was given a prescription and told to use “sensitive skin” products.

As time went on, so did my eczema. The location of the rash would change, sometimes on my legs, sometimes my face, sometimes both. I wasn’t the only person in my family to suffer from skin issues, which is partly why I chose to become an esthetician. As years in my profession passed, I researched my ass off. I tried what feels like millions of OTC and high end products recommended for “sensitive skin,” went on gluten-dairy-soy free diets, talked with other professionals, acupuncture from the best, using only natural products, herbs, meditation, yoga, stopped going in the sun as much… tried every single natural remedy I could possibly find… I even got a blood allergy test from my doctor at the time, which came back negative!!  It still persisted, I still searched.

Eventually the condition became so severe and spread onto my hands and arms badly. I found a new doctor who is an Allergist/Immunologist. As soon as she saw me and heard my history, she insisted I must get this “patch allergy” test. I mentioned how I had negative results from a blood test.. She went on to tell me that this test is more specific than a standard allergy test. They place rows of tiny patches of things you couldn’t even imagine being allergic to… plastics, metals, paints, preservatives, chemicals, dyes, you name it. The results astounded me. Apparently I had allergies to not 1 but SIX things!

1. Methylchlorothiazinolone - common preservative found in hygiene products, industrial fluids, and household cleaners

2. Neomycin Sulphate - an atibiotic commonly used in many prescription and over-the-counter antibacterial topical creams, powders & ointments, eye drops & bacitracin

3. Shellac - a resin solid found throughout the home in paint primers, sealants & furniture finishes. It’s also edible and used as a glazing agent on candies and pills. Also found in cosmetics

4. Potassium Dichromate - naturally found in the environment: in sand, ash, clay & loam; Can be found in tools, food & cosmetics

5. Thimerosal - an antiseptic and antifungal agent found in various vaccines, tatoo inks & nasal products

6. Phenylmercuric Acetate - found in fungicides, herbicides & paint

!!!!!!

Why did it take me 25 years to take this damn test, let alone find out about it!? Why had no dermatologist/doctor ever persisted I have the “Patch Allergy” test? I’m not sure, but I am sure glad that I finally found someone who knew what they were doing and how to help me!! Especially being I’m an esthetician, I was coming into contact with some of these things everyday. Some of the things I was using to treat my damn rashes were the exact things that were the problem!

I suffer from Allergic CONTACT Dermatitis (ACD). Simply finding out EXACTLY what was the CAUSE of the irritation has allowed me to take control, finally. I avoid these ingredients as much as possible. Some I know immediately if I’ve come into contact with on accident, some won’t irritate me until later in the day. Obviously, I have a lot of attackers, so it’s nearly impossible to avoid everything all the time.. but it is manageable. With avoiding these ingredients, a hydrocortizone spray & anti-fungal skin cream I’m able to keep my skin irritations to a minimum.

If you suffer from any sort of skin sensitivity, dermatitis or rashes I highly suggest and urge you to please go help yourself and get a patch allergy test. Don’t rely on anyone (doctors, estheticians, etc) to help you until you do this for yourself. I really cannot stress the importance of KNOWING what the culprit is. Without knowing, all we are really doing is covering up the problem without finding a real, effective solution that could ultimately be life changing. Take it from someone who would get dermatitis on her face, having no where to hide the embarasing condition. This test will give you some sore of an answer and direction for what to do next to heal your skin. I now am confident in the products I am using because I know they are safe. I can treat myself to indulging in beauty and all the wonderful, beautiful products. I don’t have to worry that my arms are showing when it’s hot as hell out! Best of all, I am grateful for the knowledge that I get to share with my clients, and you.

The Patch Allergy test is a little uncomfortable, given the tedious patch application process.. but SO worth it!! I know some are against it, they suspect that the test opens up allergies & that there are alternatives ways to find the cause.. what those alternative methods are, I’m not entirely sure. I do know that I am better since receiving my patch allergy test, and obviously would highly recommend it to anyone suffering from sensitive skin and/or skin allergies related to rashes, breakouts, & acne.

Feel free to ask me any questions,

Good luck!

This link is to find a Patch Tester near you:

http://www.mypatchlink.com/acd.aspx

GBAuc.*

#skincare #allergies #skin #esthetician #sensitiveskin #rashes #breakouts #acne #beautfy #skin #patchallergytest #contactdermatitis