Skin allergies are from hell

I never had trouble with skin allergies until I turned 21

I have always been a healthy person who watched what I ate, worked out, drank plenty of water and loved my sleep. As a child I had seasonal allergies and would sneeze around cats, dogs and horses. Now that I’m older, my allergies have become significantly worse. Between sensitive skin allergies, environmental allergies and food sensitivities, I have taught myself how to manage the additional stress of allergies.

This is my own story rather than medical advice. If you suspect an allergy, see your doctor or an allergist for testing.

What is Immunoglobulin E?

IgE are antibodies produced by the immune system. If you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts to an allergen by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E. These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.

Where is Immunoglobulin E produced?

IgE is produced by plasma cells, a specific type of immune cell, in response to a perceived threat.

Why are Immunoglobulin E tests done?

An allergen-specific IgE test may be done to look for certain kinds of allergies, including food, animal dander, pollen, mold, medicine, dust mites or latex.

How the immune system works

When antigens, meaning foreign substances that invade the body, are detected, several types of cells work together to recognize and respond to them.

Allergic disorders happen when the immune system overreacts to antigens in the environment. The substances that provoke those reactions are called allergens, and antihistamines are the usual first-line treatment for the symptoms.

What are my symptoms?

Sadly, I am allergic to many products we commonly use on our skin: makeup, skincare, shampoo, conditioner, hair products, hand soap, lotion and more. I am HIGHLY allergic to detergent and to any soap that contains fragrance or essential oils. I have to be careful about the clothes I buy, since the chemical dyes cause contact dermatitis, a rash that looks like little bumps. In the last 5 years I have learned that I have suffered a majority of my life from gluten intolerance. Just this past year, after chronic lower back and hip pain that no doctor or specialist could explain, I worked out that dairy was the trigger. After cutting dairy out, the lower back and hip pain subsided, and a lot of my hormonal acne became far more manageable too.

In conclusion

Through a lot of trial and error, I have figured out how to manage my skin allergies. My family doctor referred me to a skin specialist at Wake Forest Baptist Skin Center. The specialist identified elevated Immunoglobulin E and showed me how to manage the symptoms. After years of no relief from allergy shots, I have finally found the right combination of antihistamines and home care to keep the inflammation down.

I don’t write this for you to feel sorry for me, but in the hope that it helps someone else who has struggled with skin allergies, acne or intolerance. Through years of trial and error, I can read an ingredient label and pinpoint what is likely to cause inflammation. I genuinely believe going through this has made me a better esthetician. Without all that personal research, I would not have the knowledge I have today to help others.

If your skin reacts to everything, bring me your product labels. Book a skin care consultation and we will go through them together, and look at facials built for reactive skin once we know what you can tolerate.