Just to continue where I left off in my post of june 3, 2009 (see link http://quidsin.wordpress.com/category/sun-allergy/)
I have since been subjected to a battery of tests!!! Back in November I was finally booked in for a blood test and ‘patch testing’. This is where over 150 different products are placed onto your back and arms over a period of two days. Then on the third day they are removed and analysed. A further wait for a day and then on the fifth day, a Consultant goes over your results and lets you know what you are allergic to and possible reasons why.
It turns out that I was allergic to a preservative that is in almost all the household toileteries around my house – including washing up liqid that is not so kind to my hands!!!! Well this allergy turned out to be a red herring with regards my sun allergy so I was referred to a specialist hospital for further testing.
I waited a further month before my appointment came through. I had a consultation with the specialists and a blood test and then then more waiting for a new set of ……’patch testing’!!
It is now the end of February and I have had over 150 products plastered all over parts of my back and arms and front chest!!! I have also had individual UV rays testing on my arm as well as the rays at various frequencies tested on parts of my back. I got the results of my UV rays tests the next day.
I have PROBABLE PHOTOAGGRAVATED ECZEMA. It means my eczema flares up in extreme heat.
I have been advised to carry on applying my sun block which has to be a high ph factor and 4 star rated at least. (Check the back of the bottle to see how many stars it has). I have also been advised to apply a specific eye cream to help the eczema around the eyes. (I didn’t realise my dark circles were eczema).
On day three, I had the patches removed. One particular part of my back was exposed to light for 5 minutes. ( This is so that the samples of different sun blocks can be compared to see whether it is the sun block that is causing the reaction and if it is, is it sun block mixed with light, causing the reaction.) The results
I have to use a special eczema cream around my eyes for four weeks. I need to wear sun block all the time. I need to go back in the summer for a follow up.
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