I've seen a dermatologist twice for some really bad/sudden rashes. They even biopsied the blisters (and I have scars from those). In both cases, the results were inconclusive. My issues are so rare/random and weird, that they didn't know what to make of them. The first time was years ago, right after Brian and I had decorated the gazebo in the back corner of my grandmother's yard for Xmas. There were lots of plants over there and I had been walking through them, so they thought it may have been exposure to something there (though not a poison oak/ivy/sumac or anything recognizeable that they test for). The second time was during the end of my pregnancy. It was so bad, moved all around my body, but didn't look like the regular pregnancy rashes that women get. They thought it was related to massive edema, then an allergy to something in particular, and ultimately they just said "I don't know - put cortizone on it". The cortizone did not help, but the California Baby Calendula lotion did, sort of. Eventually it just went away.
Both cases were in the dead of winter - cold, windy, dry skin. The hormones in pregnancy surely didn't help. It has to be winter related! I was trying to think of if it was diet related - maybe more junk around the holidays? But I'm well past that point now.
I wouldn't mind doing the skin test if I thought I'd get something from it, but after 2 minor surgical experiences that scarred me and tought me nothing, I'm skeptical. :/ Skin is a tough one . . . could really be anything medical, autoimmune, stress, food. Whatever. It is frustrating.
RE the Burt's Bees - These are new "sensitive skin" and fragrance free products. They aren't the cheapest either, so I may try some of those other brands instead. Getting fragrance free, easily accessible, not too expensive and not tested on animals: a challenge. This is the cleaner I bought http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/472000/Burt%27s_Bees_Sensitve_Facial_Cleanser/. This is the night stuff http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/472003/Burt%27s_Bees_Sensitive_Night_Cream/ . And the day cream http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/435593/Eucerin_Everyday_Protection_Face_Lotion_for_Sensitive_Skin%2C_SPF_30/ . I have an appointment with my PCP for a regular checkup, so I may see what she thinks about it. My midwife did suggest I see a particular allergiest who was specialist in derm issues a while back and e-mailed him to see if he thought I'd be a good candiate to meet. I'm not sure if I care that much about the issue at this point.
I do use the everyday minerals stuff for my regular makeup and love them!
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2013-01-24 03:42 pm (UTC)Both cases were in the dead of winter - cold, windy, dry skin. The hormones in pregnancy surely didn't help. It has to be winter related! I was trying to think of if it was diet related - maybe more junk around the holidays? But I'm well past that point now.
I wouldn't mind doing the skin test if I thought I'd get something from it, but after 2 minor surgical experiences that scarred me and tought me nothing, I'm skeptical. :/ Skin is a tough one . . . could really be anything medical, autoimmune, stress, food. Whatever. It is frustrating.
RE the Burt's Bees - These are new "sensitive skin" and fragrance free products. They aren't the cheapest either, so I may try some of those other brands instead. Getting fragrance free, easily accessible, not too expensive and not tested on animals: a challenge. This is the cleaner I bought http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/472000/Burt%27s_Bees_Sensitve_Facial_Cleanser/. This is the night stuff http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/472003/Burt%27s_Bees_Sensitive_Night_Cream/ . And the day cream http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/435593/Eucerin_Everyday_Protection_Face_Lotion_for_Sensitive_Skin%2C_SPF_30/ . I have an appointment with my PCP for a regular checkup, so I may see what she thinks about it. My midwife did suggest I see a particular allergiest who was specialist in derm issues a while back and e-mailed him to see if he thought I'd be a good candiate to meet. I'm not sure if I care that much about the issue at this point.
I do use the everyday minerals stuff for my regular makeup and love them!