Skin allergies are from hell
I never had trouble with skin allergies until I turned 21 years old…
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, horses, etc. 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.
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 (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.
Where is immunoglobulin E produced?
Produced by specific immune cells called plasma, IgE is an antibody produced by the body’s immune system in response to a perceived threat.
Why are immunoglobulin e Tests done?
An allergen-specific IgE may be done to look for some kinds of allergies. These may include food, animal dander, pollen, mold, medicine, dust mites or latex.
How the immune system works:
When antigens (foreign substances that invades the body) are detected, several types of cells work together to recognize them and respond.
Allergic Disorders-happen when the immune system overreacts to exposure to antigens in the environment. The substances that provoke such attacks are called allergens. Medicines called antihistamines can relieve most symptoms.
What are my symptoms?
Sadly, I am allergic to many products that we commonly use on our skin including: makeup, skincare, shampoo, conditioner, hair products, hand soap, lotion and more. I am HIGHLY allergic to detergent and any soap that contains fragrance or essential oils. I have to becareful of the clothes that I buy since the chemical dyes in clothes cause me to have contact dermatitis (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 suffering from chronic lower back and hip pain, with no help from doctors or specialists, I concluded it to be a dairy allergy. After cutting out dairy the lower back and hip pain subsided. I also learned that a lot of my hormonal acne was related to the dairy and is much more manageable now that dairy is eliminated from my diet.
In conclusion
Through a lot of trial, 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 informed me of elevated Immunoglobulin E and how to manage the symptoms. After years of no relief from allergy shots, I have finally found the correct combination of antihistamines and proper home care to alleviate inflammation.
I don’t write this for you to feel sorry for me but in hope that I can help someone else who has struggled with skin allergies, acne, intolerance, etc. Through YEARS of trial and error, I am able to read an ingredient label and pinpoint ingredients that cause any type of inflammation in the body/skin. I strongly believe that I have experienced the skin conditions that I have so make me a better Esthetician. If it wasn’t for A TON of personal research and diagnosis, I would not have the knowledge that I do today to be able to help others.