So I work in a School and we are having an end of term BBQ. I would usually bring in my own food for something like this. It's really hard for me to … Continue Reading
Latest Blogs
My Journey Through a Decade of Topical Steroid Withdrawal
This is a guest post from Nina Ajdin, a fellow topical steroid withdrawal expert, through personal experience. She has been going through TSW for ten … Continue Reading
Ten reasons to use Red Light Therapy for TSW
I've been researching Red Light Therapy and Near Infrared Light for eczema and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) damaged skin healing now for a long … Continue Reading
Set intentions not resolutions for 2024
This year I'm not going to set any resolutions. In previous years I've written about this, and why I think New Year's Resolutions are … Continue Reading
Why I hate Rachel Johnson’s horrible article
Thank you Michelle for drawing my attention to Rachel Johnson's, quite frankly diabolical article in the Evening Standard. You'll enjoy reading … Continue Reading
The twelve days of #tswmas (topical Steroid Withdrawal Christmas)
I hope you enjoy this lighter post, just to try to explain what it's like to be ill at Christmas. I'm not saying anything about my skin, I don't want … Continue Reading
Can Artificial intelligence write better, faster blogs than me?
I've been meaning to use Chat GPT to help me draft blogs for some time, and finally, last week I took the plunge. New technology can take a while to … Continue Reading
Your guide to ‘dry eye’ causes and symptoms
Dry eyes and allergies often go hand in hand. You could have both conditions at the same time, or just one, but how do you tell the difference? And … Continue Reading
Why do we think eczema is ugly?
I heard someone say this last week and it really struck deep. It was a podcast conversation with a mother discussing her child's 'ugly eczema' and it … Continue Reading
How to avoid scalp and skin flare ups from your hair cut
Getting your hair cut when your skin is challenging, both on your face, neck and scalp is one of the hardest things to navigate. It can mean sometimes … Continue Reading
Adrenaline needle, nasal spray or sub lingual for anaphylaxis?
100% of people would rather not be using adrenaline auto injectors with needles! In fact we all hate the needles, it's just added stress to the whole … Continue Reading
25% of severely allergic people leave adrenaline at home
That's a lot of wasted adrenaline - if a quarter of people who are prescribed life saving anaphylaxis medication are not carrying it with them at all … Continue Reading
Do you need Health Insurance for Allergies & Asthma?
Allergies and asthma are more than just an inconvenience; they're a serious health concern that's on the rise. If you're among the millions who … Continue Reading
Are you a dermatologist? We need you!
This is a very quick plea for a dermatologist to work with a the brilliant natural skin care brand Balmonds. This is a paid project, so please pass … Continue Reading
Why I threw out all my old bras
Those of you who follow What Allergy regularly may have seen a previous blog about soft, comfy non-wired bras; I went down a rabbit hole of research … Continue Reading
Flying with allergies – Airlines can do better!
In this guest blog post from my favourite allergen safe snack company, Creative Nature raises the topic of airline travel for those with … Continue Reading
10 simple hacks to safely patch test your skincare
If you have sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis or topical steroid withdrawal it's likely you've tried a hundred different products with little success. … Continue Reading
Hospital admissions for life-threatening allergic reactions ‘more than double’
The number of hospital admissions for life-threatening allergic reactions has more than doubled in the last 20 years, according to research figures … Continue Reading
OMG! Me in a film on eczema and mental health
In June this year I joined Lucy from Balmonds Skincare at ITN studies to take part in a video with the British Skin Foundation called Skin: Below the … Continue Reading
Why you should never use SLS but SLES is the best!
If you have sensitive skin the chances are you'll know all about Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and how bad it can be for the skin. It used to be an … Continue Reading
Crikey I’m in the Top 10 Best UK Eczema Blogs
This month Whatallergy.com was listed as one of the Top Ten Eczema Blogs by Feedspot. Another fantastic opportunity to celebrate excellent bloggig!If … Continue Reading
Representation of ‘real skin’ in media
When was the last time you saw someone on TV, in a film, a sitcom, in a magazine or an advert for skin care products who actually had even the tiniest … Continue Reading
Top 10 things that REALLY helped my eczema skin
I get asked all the time for advice from people with eczema, topical steroid withdrawal and atopic dermatitis and find myself giving the same answer … Continue Reading
We urgently need topical steroid withdrawal research
No one knows how many people have topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). This condition is drastically underestimated because the vast majority of those … Continue Reading
The best food allergen conference ever!
I've spoken at a lot of events and conferences over the years and all of them have been good. This event however was really special and it reminded of … Continue Reading
Updated advice on using Epipens and AAIs
Do you know how to use an adrenaline auto injector (AAI)? Even if you think you do, please have a quick scan and read of this blog post with updated … Continue Reading
Famous comedian is an allergy bully
Alan Carr's response to being told someone is allergic to coriander is not to accept it and show compassion; it is to laugh at the woman, do this … Continue Reading
Discover the best Topical Steroid Withdrawal blogs
I am so thrilled to share that my blog has been voted in the Top 10 Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) blogs by Feedspot. What is topical steroid … Continue Reading
Did Covid cause asthma and eczema flare?
Well, it finally got me! After managing not to catch Covid-19 through the whole pandemic, my body finally succumbed. Many people have begun to … Continue Reading
Paraffin is the worst thing for eczema
Paraffin emollients are the first line of treatment for people with eczema. Nearly all mainstream emollients prescribed or recommended for people with … Continue Reading
It’s rude to ask someone about their eczema
Going through topical steroid withdrawal these past few years has taught me so much. It’s been very hard to go out into the world with a face that … Continue Reading
What if I never heal from TSW? Long Haul Hell!
Going through topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) is hands down the hardest thing I've ever decided to do. I was going to write 'done', but it's not done … Continue Reading
Earn money for sharing YOUR medical insights
This one's for all you clinicians, nurses, doctors and medical experts out there. I know some of you read this. You could earn money for answering … Continue Reading
Why you should eat turmeric eczema & asthma
Inflammation can affect many conditions, including asthma, allergies, eczema and psoriasis. So what can we do to help reduce that inflammation in our … Continue Reading
Calling all food service companies
If you work in food service you need to be looking at attending this event, Catering for Allergies - Creating a dialogue in the hospitality … Continue Reading
Please cover up your eczema / psoriasis, it offends me
Imagine you're a guest at a friend's wedding and the bride asks you to go home and cover your skin because she doesn't want other guests having to ask … Continue Reading
Roundup of sensitive skin deodorants
This is such a hot topic for me, having struggled with both shaving due to very sensitive skin and also finding a deodorant that doesn't irritate my … Continue Reading
Does your baby have a cow’s milk allergy?
If you have a baby that has a diagnosed dairy milk allergy, or you suspect they are reacting to milk, you could be eligible to take part in a special … Continue Reading
20 tips for Cow’s milk dairy allergy in cafes
Living with a dairy allergy means I'm not an expert in navigating possible exposure to airborne and the cross contamination from dairy in cafes and … Continue Reading
20 tips for Free From food on a tight budget
This cost of living crisis we are going through at the moment is really tough. Everything costs more, from petrol to bread and milk, and there are … Continue Reading
Your cough medicine could cause anaphylaxis
Recent shocking news that an ingredient in many high street over the counter cough medicines might be linked to anaphylaxis is worrying news for … Continue Reading
What if you couldn’t have your Ventolin inhaler?
If you have asthma you may well have been prescribed a Ventolin blue reliever inhaler to help reduce symptoms of asthma attacks. I've certainly been … Continue Reading
Why haven’t you read my book yet?
Tomorrow is world book so what better way to celebrate the power of words, writing and reading to soothe the skin. Writing my poetry book, The Shape … Continue Reading
How Vinted got me money and more active!
It helped me to declutter my life and home while saving me money and making me some cash too. I know this is a break from the usual blogs I write, … Continue Reading
Dairy allergic ate buttermilk by mistake
Last month I ate buttermilk - And nothing happened... why is that? So what is buttermilk? Buttermilk is a fermented dairy milk product, it's … Continue Reading
Allergy-friendly, nut free, Tiger Nut Cookie recipe
Check out this nut-free take on peanut butter cookies, made safe for those with common food allergies! These incredibly soft cookies aren’t just nut … Continue Reading
#CORTICOPHOBIA – WORST ARTICLE I EVER READ!
Topical steroid phobia, or 'Corticophobia' a phrase coined by dermatologists to help them categorise the hysteria of their patients, is possibly one … Continue Reading
Allergic Reactions and Blood Circulation: What You Need to Know
The most dangerous symptom of an allergic reaction is your body going into anaphylaxis. It creates a significant problem within the immune system and … Continue Reading
Are you taking collagen for your eczema skin?
There are loads of skin health trends at the moment but one that seems really popular is taking collagen supplements. Firstly it's not just for women, … Continue Reading
Can fasting help reduce allergies?
Many people try fasting to help them lose weight and benefit their health. There are numerous advantages that intermittent fasting can help with … Continue Reading
New, free-from, plant-based growing-up drink for toddlers
In the first of a series of guest blogs, today we hear from Amy, the founder of Grow with Iris, who I met at the Allergy Show in Birmingham last … Continue Reading
Managing Allergic Symptoms to Prevent Bladder Incontinence in the Elderly
Allergies are never any fun for anyone. However, something most of us don’t probably consider is how hard they may be on the elderly. While allergies … Continue Reading
Honey for eczema: Exploring the benefits & proper usage
Winter is here, and dryness of the skin is one of the main concerns both men and women face in cold areas. The problem gets severe for those with skin … Continue Reading
Adrenaline auto injectors – are they out dated?
The current adrenaline auto injectors (AAI) are pretty big aren't they? Anyone who has tried to pack for a trip out will know, carrying two takes a … Continue Reading
Top 14/19 allergens? Gluten free cereals & GF oats
Are there just 14 top allergens in the UK? Or are there actually 19? For people with allergies, there are six separate cereal containing grains that … Continue Reading
20 Resolutions for eczema & TSW people!
Another year has passed and I'm approaching four years in topical steroid withdrawal which is incredible really. I'm not healed completely yet but … Continue Reading
Top 10 New Year resolutions for allergic people
Have you made any New Year’s resolutions this year? Here are a few ideas that could keep you safer with life threatening allergies! My New … Continue Reading
2 million missing Christmas due to allergies
Food allergies and rising costs leave 2 million households without a traditional Christmas dinner! Research from Allergy UK today highlights how … Continue Reading
Signs & Symptoms of Cannabis Allergy
In this article, we’re going to be looking at the signs and symptoms of a cannabis allergy. Using cannabis can cause many issues for a person in … Continue Reading
A huge thank you from what allergy
Firstly I wanted to thank each and every one of you, for everything. For all your support, reading my blog posts, commenting, sharing and just being … Continue Reading
Top 20 gifts for someone with eczema or TSW
Buying gifts for someone with sensitive skin, or with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) and also potentially someone going through a really terrible … Continue Reading
Air fryer vs Microwave with food allergies
If you have a small kitchen but want the time savings of a microwave the air fryer might be a brilliant alternative. Having just updated my tiny … Continue Reading
How The Emotional Freedom Technique Can Help You Live A Less Stressed Life
Short-term stress is uncomfortable at best. It can lead to mood changes, feelings of anxiety, trouble sleeping, muscle tension, and fatigue, alongside … Continue Reading
Why Should You Be Taking A Collagen Supplement?
Collagen supplements are one of the most popular ways to take care of your body. You should take collagen tablets for hair and skin to improve your … Continue Reading
‘Food to go’ with serious food allergies
It's always been a problem for people with food allergies all over the world, there is little safe choice for lunch or snacks when you're on the go. … Continue Reading
FREE ‘Skin Conditions Guide’ to eczema
If you have any kind of inflammatory skin condition, check out this new FREE Skin Conditions guide from Balmonds. It is jam packed with well … Continue Reading
Please stop using the word sufferer
If you start to pay attention, you'll hear people with allergies described as 'allergy sufferers' all the time. The same for atopic dermatitis and … Continue Reading
Report medication that makes you ill
This week is the seventh annual #MedSafetyWeek, a global campaign aimed at encouraging people to report medication that makes them ill or causes … Continue Reading
Bronchial thermoplasty is one of the best modern treatments for asthma
The Professional Master’s Degree in Allergology of TECH University is designed to train experts to give the best service to patients with this common … Continue Reading
The ultimate gift for people with eczema
Look no further for suitable Christmas, birthday, or just because you love them gifts; The Eczema Sample Store has just launched its Eczema Box scheme … Continue Reading
Wearable air purifier for allergies
Have you ever wished you could put your head in a bubble and go about your daily life unhindered by allergies? Or that you could visit that friend who … Continue Reading
Is it ‘steroid blisters’ or Eczema herpeticum?
If you've ever had experience of a cold sore you'll be familiar with the herpes simplex virus, and the painful blisters that come with it. Eczema … Continue Reading
How to respond to TSW and eczema gaslighting
Ever been gaslit by your doctor, GP or specialist dermatologist? This probably happens for people with any conceivable medical complaint or long-term … Continue Reading
10 tips to enjoy your massage with eczema skin
If you're nervous about having a massage due to sensitive skin you're not alone. If you have eczema, psoriasis, acne or topical steroid withdrawal, … Continue Reading
Hospital admissions for anaphylaxis rise
Hospital admissions for allergy and anaphylaxis begin to increase following COVID-19 pandemicNew figures published on 22nd September 2022 by NHS … Continue Reading
Trigger warning! What caused that skin flare?
If you've got eczema, you'll have been asked this time and time again. "What caused that skin flare?" It's something I was asked constantly … Continue Reading
Top 10 allergen free chocolate and biscuits
If you're allergic to dairy, nuts, soya or wheat most mainstream shop bought chocolates are off limits. You can't just walk into a newsagent and buy … Continue Reading
Talking about eczema with Ashley & Marie
Atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is one of the most prevalent skin conditions globally, affecting over 230 million people … Continue Reading
The best washing powders for eczema skin
If you have eczema or sensitive skin, it's worth investigating what washing powder is kindest for your skin. Biological washing powders, fragrances … Continue Reading
Buy a signed copy of the The Shape of Skin!
and get an itchy bookmark free! Because it's National Eczema Week I thought I'd offer signed copies to you lovely readers. Get your signed copy … Continue Reading
Clothing for eczema and sensitive skin
I've been meaning to share my thoughts on this for so long and can't believe I've not blogged about it already. If you have sensitive skin, no doubt … Continue Reading
LinkedIn Live – World Atopic Eczema Day
This week is National Eczema Awareness Week and I'll be going live on LinkedIn on Wednesday 14th September at 4pm UK time, with my lovely friend and … Continue Reading
Choosing the right bra for allergies & eczema
This one’s for all the sensitive skin allergy girls! Sorry boys. You might want to skip reading this one, unless you want to surprise your other half … Continue Reading
Anti-allergen silver bedding for eczema skin
Ever heard of cotton silver bedding? Sounds fancy doesn't it? I hadn't come across this type of bed linen until coming across Silver Guard; natural … Continue Reading
Latex allergy – do wetsuits contain rubber?
Since discovering how incredible it feels to swim in fresh water over the last few years I always wished I could get my own wetsuit. I always assumed … Continue Reading
No more allergies & asthma, book review
I've just finished reading 'No More allergies, asthma, or sinus infections' by Dr Lon Jones and it's turned everything I knew about asthma on its … Continue Reading
Get £10 off an OddBox Veg and fruit box
I've been loving my Odd Box veggie box; I get a mixed fruit and vegetable box every two weeks and it's really affordable at just £14. Why did I … Continue Reading
Water softener for eczema – 9 months on
If you follow my blog you'll know I've had a Harvey Water Softener now since November 2021 and I'm loving it. I have not looked back. It's … Continue Reading
Do you need help? Are you distressed?
I get so many messages from people who are desperate for help, people who are anxious, having panic attacks and feeling like they can't find the … Continue Reading
Red Light Therapy Pros and Cons for Your Skin
A complete guide to Red Light Therapy Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to improve the appearance of … Continue Reading
Proud to be in Top 10 health blogs 2022
I've been selected in the Top 10 health blogs yet again, for the sixth year running and I'm so proud. These awards are chosen by Vuelio and you … Continue Reading
More TSW Gaslighting – I’m fuming!
I recently came across an article written on 29th June 2022 by Kui Mwah, a journalist who has eczema and uses topical steroid creams. She interviewed … Continue Reading
20 tips for being an eczema & TSW advocate
I've been advocating, sharing, fundraising and talking about eczema and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) now for many years, long before I started … Continue Reading
I’m exhibiting at the Allergy Show 2022
I'm so excited to be exhibiting at The Allergy Show 2022 this year alongside my good friend Liljia of Allergy Companions. What I call, The Trip … Continue Reading
Penicillin is the UKs most common allergy!
From pets, to foods, to metals; anything can be an allergen in today’s world. But what are the people of the UK most allergic to? I think many … Continue Reading
10 things your asthma nurse won’t tell you!
Asthma affects over 8 million people in the UK alone according to the British Lung Foundation and it is a dangerous condition when poorly managed. … Continue Reading
Elimination diet for asthma, eczema and allergies
If you think you have gut issues that may be affecting your asthma, eczema and allergies, then the only real way to find food culprits is to do an … Continue Reading
TSW is NOT a social media trend – TSW RANT!
Today I read an article in the Washington Post entitled, What is Topical Steroid Withdrawal? You might be thinking, fantastic! That's amazing … Continue Reading
Government response to TSW petition for research
Thank you to everyone who signed the Change.org petition to push for funding and research into Topical Steroid Withdrawal. We needed to get 10,000 … Continue Reading
Speaking at a Food Allergen Forum
This week I was honoured to attend as the guest speaker at the Lancaster Food Allergen Forum, at Morecambe Football Club in Lancashire. It was a … Continue Reading
Boiling Point, anaphylaxis film review *****
A friend recommended that I watch this film (thanks Steve) and boy did it hit home. It really shows what a melting pot of potential disasters and … Continue Reading
Allergy Awareness Week and we are 13!
This month marks thirteen years of blogging about allergies, eczema, asthma and anaphylaxis! It's been a blast and I am still loving blogging. But … Continue Reading
Long Covid, ME, TSW and diagnosis…
Long Covid is a recognised condition, one that doctors are learning to recognise, diagnose and support patients through. Yet it's a tricky condition … Continue Reading
Topical Steroid Withdrawal Studies
What can we learn and what research has been done so far into topical steroid withdrawal? It would be easy to assume there had not been any studies … Continue Reading
Buy Coop Free From – support The Natasha Foundation
Any free from products bought from the Co-op Free From range between Wednesday 13th April and Tuesday 3rd May will see a donation of 10% made directly … Continue Reading
Are allergen free menu choices shrinking?
Since lockdown ended and we can all start to go out to restaurants to eat again it became evident that choices for free from foods had drastically … Continue Reading
Reframing skin flares as healing
This applies to anyone going through topical steroid withdrawal really as skin flares can signify issues, triggers, allergies or stress that needs to … Continue Reading
Is blogging dead? Do I keep blogging?
I've been blogging now for over thirteen years and I love it. What began as a hobby now generates income and is a passion that fuels me daily. I have … Continue Reading
Free From Hero Award 2022 – Vote now!
I still can't quite believe that I won the Free From Food Awards Hero Award in 2021 and I'm still so proud! It's that time of year again to vote … Continue Reading
Why won’t anyone talk about topical steroid withdrawal?
Why are people so scared to stand up and talk about topical steroid withdrawal? Why is it such a taboo subject? I know you love my rants and this … Continue Reading
The 10 different types of itching and scratching
If you have eczema skin you'll understand the itch. It's something everyone with sensitive skin, from psoriasis to rosacea, and atopic dermatitis to … Continue Reading
Equal Eats Ambassador and 10% off allergen cards!
I was recently asked to test out the new website for an exciting new product, coming from our favourite Canadian Kyle Dine, he has created Equal Eats … Continue Reading
TSW awareness in the Daily Mirror
On Tuesday 8th March 2022, Topical Steroid Withdrawal was featured in the Health Section of The Daily Mirror in a huge double page spread, this is … Continue Reading
Can you get a tattoo if you have eczema?
You may have been told that if you have eczema it is best to avoid getting any kind of tattoo. This isn’t necessarily true, while it is definitely the … Continue Reading
Doubt is the worst symptom of Topical Steroid Withdrawal
I am terrified that Topical Steroid Withdrawal is here to stay. That I'm going to be stuck like this, struggling to heal, in pain, with dysfunctional … Continue Reading
40 Amazing women in Eczema and TSW
Because it's International Women's Day, these are the women I'd like to thank, the women who have taught me, helped me and continue to help the eczema … Continue Reading
Allergen and pollen free artificial plants for your home
If you have a pollen allergy or even a fragrance allergy, having plants in the home can be problematic, causing wheezing, shortness of breath and … Continue Reading
Top 7 books for eczema and Topical Steroid Withdrawal
I've found reading one of the things that's really got me through topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). I can get lost in books and love learning about … Continue Reading
10 reasons to wear a MedicAlert bracelet for anaphylaxis
I've had a MedicAlert bracelet or necklace now for over 20 years and I'd honestly never leave home without it now. It's become part of my getting … Continue Reading
20 reasons to get a Harvey water softener for eczema
I have had a water softener now for just over three months, it was installed back in November last year so I thought it was about time I shared how I … Continue Reading
My life through Topical Steroid withdrawal – Film review!
This is a short film that portrays what life is really like living with topical steroid withdrawal. It's incredible, outstanding and I recommend … Continue Reading
Gaslit by my dermatologist for the last time
Today I went to visit my dermatologist for a skin check-up and he gaslit me from the minute I walked in to the moment I left. He refuses to accept … Continue Reading
Learning to fight for what I need
Really proud of this article that I wrote for the fantastic Happiful magazine. "Learning to fight for what I need." is my story, from intensive care, … Continue Reading
Sponsoring and judging at the Free From Food Awards
If you know me at all you'll know that I've been involved with judging at these awards now for over ten years and bloody love it. This year I … Continue Reading
10 Spring Allergy Tips For Seniors
Soon the sun will be out, the flowers will bloom, and the world around us will gradually come back to life. Spring is almost upon us – which means the … Continue Reading
Buteyko breathing reduces need for asthma inhaler
I have been so blown away by the incredible power of Buteyko Breathing that I just have to keep sharing about it. Since cutting out topical steroids … Continue Reading
Allergy mistakes – near miss reporting
Jacqui McPeake of Jacs Ltd and Caroline Benjamin of Food Allergy Aware have collaborated as Hospitality Allergen Support … Continue Reading
Protopic damages in the same way as topical steroids
This is Dominika's Protopic Withdrawal story. She became addicted first to Protopic, a topical immunosuppressant ointment. She had previously never … Continue Reading
The ‘Trip Advisor’ for people with allergies
Ever wanted to find somewhere safe to eat and had to spend ages searching the internet, contacting restaurants and searching for an allergen menu? If … Continue Reading
The Potting Shed, allergen safe 10/10
Today I revisited The Potting Shed, a wonderful little cafe which is at a garden centre in Jersey Park, St Albans. I'd just RUN a ParkRun (Jersey … Continue Reading
30 ways to stay cool for itchy skin
Staying cool is something I've been struggling with for some time now. I think partly because I'm now menopausal but also due to going through Topical … Continue Reading
How running is healing my skin from TSW
Why do human beings need adventure? Why do we crave new experiences? Why do I push my boundaries and say yes to scary things? Why do I run? … Continue Reading
Getting the most out of your dermatology appointment
Here are my 10 tips for getting the most out of your dermatology appointment, because I've been there. I've left crying, feeling angry, misunderstood … Continue Reading
10 tips for getting therapy for fear of anaphylaxis
If you've ever had an anaphylactic reaction or seen your loved one go through it, you'll know how utterly terrifying it is and how helpless you feel. … Continue Reading
Locanda Locatelli meal out with allergies 9.5-10/10
I had the amazing good fortune to be invited to Locanda Locatelli by my friend Lilija, who has created the most amazing website for people with … Continue Reading
20 tips on how to be an allergy advocate
I've been advocating, sharing, fundraising and talking about allergies, anaphylaxis and asthma now for years, long before I started this blog, so I … Continue Reading
Skin on Fire – TSW documentary reviewed
Skin on Fire is a documentary short film about Topical Steroid Addiction (TSA) and Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSWS). Through the … Continue Reading
The system is broken, but change is coming
I'm feeling a bit broken today too. A day of listening and watching stuff about skin all day has been exhausting. This Morning shared advice that … Continue Reading
Anxiety and post traumatic stress in adults with and without food allergy
Do you experience anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder as a result of your life threatening allergies, anaphylaxis and past allergic reactions? … Continue Reading
My Protopic usage, tapering and withdrawal
We hear a lot about topical steroid withdrawal, but little about Protopic withdrawal so there is hardly any research existing about what happens if a … Continue Reading
Top 25 Eczema blogs
Today I received some wonderful news that my humble little blog has made it into the Top 25 Eczema blogs in the world! Whoop Whoop! Another excuse to … Continue Reading
Spoonie life – living with a chronic condition
I'd heard of this term before and knew it was something to do with being ill but never really understood what it meant. I'm not sure what prompted to … Continue Reading
Nickel Allergy, a More Common Allergy Than Expected
Nickel allergy is an allergic reaction that’s characterised by red and itchy skin with rashes or bumps. It is caused by contact with objects that … Continue Reading
Eczema treatment pathway in the UK
What are the current treatment pathways for adults with eczema? You might be surprised to know that there are actually no NICE guidelines for adults … Continue Reading
A dermatologists review of The Shape of Skin, eczema poetry
Thank you to Dr Amanda Penny who works as Cosmetic Doctor at PHI Clinic in Twickenham, Harley St, Maidenhead, a non surgical cosmetic clinic, for … Continue Reading
Frio Cooling wallets – for ice packs – reviewed
Yes I know it's winter, but some us of live in a perpetual heat wave! I am really struggling to regulate my temperature these days, which could be a … Continue Reading
My favourite free from soup and bowl meals
This is a really hard one for me as it's a real struggle to find good, free from and healthy soup and bowl meals. I love to make my own but it's … Continue Reading
Anaphylaxis – The Essential Guide – new look
Many of you will hopefully have already read my Anaphylaxis guide, previously called The Reluctant Allergy Expert - How to kill the fear that … Continue Reading
Self image, reflections, mirrors, facial eczema and TSW
I've been thinking about my dual fear of mirrors and obsession with my magnifying mirror for a while now. I absolutely hate seeing my reflection in … Continue Reading
Focus on the Positives – the gift of allergies and eczema
Have you written any New Year's resolutions yet this year? i.e. Get cured of allergies, eradicate eczema, heal from topical steroid withdrawal, eat … Continue Reading
Why New Year’s Resolutions are bollox
And why I'm not writing any for 2022. It's that time of year when we reflect on what we have achieved and what we want to do in the coming year. We … Continue Reading
Happy Christmas and 2021 in review
Just really quick thank you to each and everyone one of you who read this blog, comment regularly and support me by coming over to read my … Continue Reading
I had the Pfizer vaccine and no anaphylaxis
Just a really quick blog post because I've seen the news that people who are at risk of anaphylaxis are being turned away from getting the booster … Continue Reading
Do Covid face masks make your eczema worse?
If you have eczema, topical steroid withdrawal, asthma, or any other condition that may hinder the wearing of masks or make it uncomfortable, cause … Continue Reading
Topical Steroid Withdrawal and eczema of the genitals
Eczema or TSW of the genitals is a delicate subject that affects more people going through topical steroid withdrawal, eczema and sensitive skin than … Continue Reading
I’m sponsoring the Free From Food Awards 2022
This is a very proud moment for me, I'm beyond excited to announce that I am sponsoring the Free From Food Awards 2022 for the newly created Soup and … Continue Reading
Topical Steroids harm us, not heal us
We expect our doctors and the expert dermatologists who treat us will help heal us, not harm us. It's not too much to ask is it? I think we all expect … Continue Reading
Wireless, comfy bras for sensitive, eczema and TSW skin
I've never liked bras much, they cost a lot of money and most of us just want to take them off the minute we get home. Having a sore, painful skin … Continue Reading
The first natural supplement for skin
I'm really excited about this new skin supplement brand called Pellamex, the world’s first supplement created for eczema and dry skin. I'm lucky … Continue Reading
Can a water softener help eczema?
I’ve often wondered whether investing in a water softener at home could help my skin. Living in a very hard water area, my skin has always felt tight, … Continue Reading
‘The metal allergy guide’ 5 star book review
If you're allergic to nickel then the chances are you'll know the basics. If you've had a diagnosis after testing at an allergy clinic you probably … Continue Reading
Working with a chronic illness
Working with a chronic illness is something I have first hand experience of, having navigated full time employment with severe allergies, anaphylaxis … Continue Reading
Being a twice published author!
Happy National Author’s Day! A great day to celebrate my writing achievements. I am so proud to be able to call myself an author, a writer and a … Continue Reading
Shortlisted in UK’s Mental Health and wellbeing Awards
I'm really excited to be shortlisted in The UK’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards, for an award in the category ofInspirational Mental Health Story … Continue Reading
Natasha’s Law will help save lives
"From October 2021, Natasha's Law will require food businesses to provide full ingredient lists and allergen labelling on foods pre-packaged for … Continue Reading
My life with anaphylaxis in chat magazine
I just had to share this brilliant article which was featured this week in Chat Magazine, with the fantastic headline of "Snogging me comes with a … Continue Reading
MHRA recognise Topical steroid withdrawal
This has been a long, long time coming but finally, all of us who reported our Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) through the Yellow Card scheme can … Continue Reading
Win Westlab Dead Sea Salt for eczema skin
Because it's National Eczema Awareness Week from the 13th to the 19th September, the amazing people at Westlab are giving away 500 packs of Dead sea … Continue Reading
Natural treatments for allergic asthma
I've had allergic asthma all my life and used both reliever and preventative inhalers regularly for YEARS. This blog is about my journey to living … Continue Reading
Why I love Balmonds eczema skincare
And why I'm proud to be a Balmonds Ambassador. I've been an Ambassador for Balmonds products now for many years and first discovered the company … Continue Reading
Allergies, asthma and eczema protect you from Covid-19
I knew it was sexy to have eczema, allergies and asthma. I knew it was my superpower to have an immune system that was on hyper lookout. Being a … Continue Reading
10 tips for caring for chronic eczema or topical steroid withdrawal
I know how hard it can be watching someone suffer with a condition that you don't have first hand experience of yourself. It's difficult to know what … Continue Reading
30 Amazing women in allergy
To mark International Women's Day, I thought I'd give a shout out to just some of the amazing women in the allergy world. I left it late to … Continue Reading
Food, mood and symptoms diary for allergies and eczema
You may be thinking that some foods could be affecting your skin and/or gut but it can be complicated and lead to delayed reactions, even a few days … Continue Reading
Are you angry and anxious about your allergies?
First of all, you are not alone. The first thing you need to do, if you have a diagnosis for a serious life threatening allergy is to arm yourself … Continue Reading
Hay fever and oral allergy syndrome explained
Hay fever is becoming more and more common with 18 million Americans reporting they have symptoms, according to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC). … Continue Reading
Anaphylaxis
Why I hate Rachel Johnson’s horrible article
Thank you Michelle for drawing my attention to Rachel Johnson's, quite frankly diabolical article in the Evening Standard. You'll enjoy reading … Continue Reading
Adrenaline needle, nasal spray or sub lingual for anaphylaxis?
100% of people would rather not be using adrenaline auto injectors with needles! In fact we all hate the needles, it's just added stress to the whole … Continue Reading
Hay fever
Hay fever affects almost half of UK population
As part of Spring Allergy Week this news seemed very relevant. The number of people with hay fever in the UK has almost doubled! Why is this? Mine has certainly been worse with streaming eyes, wheezing, sneezing and itchy skin.
Allergy, Oral Allergy Sydrome or Lipid Transfer Protein?
Do you know the difference between allergies, oral allergy syndrome and lipid transfer protein allergies? It’s very confusing, and I’m even more confused now!
Eczema
My Journey Through a Decade of Topical Steroid Withdrawal
This is a guest post from Nina Ajdin, a fellow topical steroid withdrawal expert, through personal experience. She has been going through TSW for ten … Continue Reading
Ten reasons to use Red Light Therapy for TSW
I've been researching Red Light Therapy and Near Infrared Light for eczema and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) damaged skin healing now for a long … Continue Reading
Asthma
Do you need Health Insurance for Allergies & Asthma?
If you have allergies and/or asthma you’ll know how frightening and expensive life can be. Health insurance gives you peace of mind and the treatment you need
Did Covid cause asthma and eczema flare?
If you have asthma and eczema you may have been very worried about Covid. Whilst the immediate worry is over, here’s how it affected my asthma & skin itching!