OMG my blog is nearly a teenager! How did that happen? The same age as two of my beautiful nieces! I hadn't realised she was born on the same year as them but oh how time flies. Yes What Allergy is a girl! Of course she is! It's been a wonderful journey. From the day I first began this blog, I've learnt so much and met so many amazing people along the way. So I thought I'd … [Read more...]
Does eczema affect body image?
I know 100% that having eczema all my life has affected my body image and how I have judged, quote wrongly, my worth and value in this world. I was really fortunate to have CBT counselling a few years ago and was shocked to discover how wrapped up my fears, anxieties and completely wrong judgements stemmed from how having eczema made my feel, as a human, as a woman and how I … [Read more...]
New eczema poetry book, The Shape of Skin
Finally I've finished my second book. It's taken me a lifetime to write this collection of poetry for everyone with eczema, topical steroid withdrawal and atopic dermatitis and I'm thrilled with it. I am so proud of this achievement. Written, edited, proofed and prepared during a pandemic and going through topical steroid withdrawal at the same time. I absolutely adore the … [Read more...]
Covid-19 vaccine, anxiety and my skin
It's happened! I've had the vaccine! And I just wanted to write a little bit about how much anxiety I felt, how that is completely understandable and you should not beat yourself up about feeling scared, and finally, how for me, my story was easy, simple and I had no complications. Here's my advice. Speak to your GP I phoned my doctor when I got my invitation for the … [Read more...]
Speaking to someone with TSW
Are you caring for someone with Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)? Actually this message would apply to any condition that limits life, anything that affects someone, is difficult to live with, is relentless, is painful. It can equally apply to someone living with life threatening allergies. A completely invisible condition! Does your friend, wife, sister, mother, child … [Read more...]