Ruth Holroyd's Blog, page 14

Allergen and pollen free 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 other allergy symptoms. But there is a solution with silk artificial plants and flowers.

Firstly I would like to thank Faux La Fleur for gifting me a potted rosemary plant and hydrangea bouquet to try at home. They’re absolutely stunning and I love them.

Faux La Fleur artificial and silk hydrangea plants What I loved about these artificial plants

I do have a few artificial plants in my home and I do love the effort free burst of colour and joy they bring me, but it’s not easy to find good quality, realistic silk flowers. These ones really are top quality and very professional, you could easily believe they were real living plants.

If you know me and follow this blog you’ll know that I’ve been on a mission to reduce the allergens in my home so these instantly appealed to me. I hope you are intrigued and inspired by them as I was.

Here are my top benefits of having artificial flowers and plants in your home:

So pretty – They look amazing guys. Look how pretty they look, how colourful and alive. The colours are so vibrant.They are so realistic – My mum visited the other day and wanted to know how I’d got my hydrangeas looking that amazing. She thought these were dried ones as I dry the flowers from my garden and keep in vases. The Rosemary potted plant looks so luscious and green, you’d never know it’s a fake!No pollen – Doesn’t really need explaining! But what a brilliant gift for your pollen allergic friends and family.Easy to clean and dust – You can wipe the silk flowers clean with a damp cloth and the plastic house plant could go in a bowl of warm water to clean it. There are instructions on the website of how to care for these plants. They suggest a hair dryer to blow off dust but if you have a dust allergy, wiping with a damp cloth may be safer.They won’t die! – I am a terrible house plant mother and often neglect or over water plants so this is the ultimate solution! No more dead and wilting plants, forgotten and unloved. These will always look amazing despite my negligence.UK business – What I also love about these guys is that they are local, UK based and family run. I love supporting home run companies like this.Perfect Gift – Whether you need a gift for Christmas, Home Décor, Gardens, Weddings, Funerals, or any number of Special Occasions, there is something suitable from their range. Go and take a look. Cute little rosemary plant from Faux La Fleur. Looks so realisticThe story behind Faux La Fleur

The company came about after trying to find suitable plants for a wedding bouquet as the bride had asthma and her mother had a very severe pollen allergy. Real flowers would obviously not be suitable but they couldn’t find any artificial or silk arrangements that were quite right so the bride decided to create her own! Clearly there was a gap in the market because not everyone would be able to turn their hand to creating wedding flower arrangements by hand!

‘It is estimated 20% of the global population suffers from a pollen allergy which is considered the most common allergy on a global scale. Although only 8% are officially diagnosed, it is suspected that 20% of the US population suffers from pollen allergy. Europe has the same percentage while Australia has the lowest with just 10% of the population suffering from pollen allergies as per allergy statistics worldwide 2017.’ (Poaceae pollen as the leading aeroallergen worldwide: A review, H. García‐Mozo, First published: 22 May 2017, European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

If you are allergic to pollen, you may also be interested in finding out more about Pollen Allergy Syndrome or Oral Allergy Syndrome where certain foods can cross react in the pollen allergic individual.

This revelation presented its own questions, where do all of these individuals buy flowers and floral arrangements from? How do they decorate their homes? How do they hold a wedding bouquet made from lilies and roses or send their loved one Valentine’s flowers? It was then we decided no longer would these people go without, and thus, Faux La Fleur was born.

The intention behind the company is to provide a wide, varied, and affordable selection of products through an eCommerce and online setup available across the UK. To find out more visit Faux la Fleur.

How do I get some artificial plants myself?

These products are only available in the UK, so apologies to all my followers in other countries, but I’m sure there will be a local supplier near you. Delivery in the UK is FREE! These guys have really amazing reviews on Trust Pilot, solid 5 stars. I’ll be reviewing on there shortly and would agree they get 5 stars from me too.

To start searching and shopping, visit the Faux La Fleur website. The only problem you’ll have is which flowers to choose! I have my eye on some more and may treat myself as I’m also loving the potted Thyme, Sage, Ficus Tree and Topiary Pot.

You may also be interested in reading:How clean is the indoor air quality in your home?Testing the Dyson V8 vacuum cleaner with asthmaNatural treatments for allergic asthma20 things you can to reduce hay fever symptomsThe post Allergen and pollen free plants for your home first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

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 new things too. The eczema and TSW community has so many amazing creative souls, so here, in no particular order, are my top seven books for people with eczema and topical steroid withdrawal.

Curing my Incurable Eczema by Cara Ward  – Cara’s journey through TSW. Cara give so much to the TSW community and has healed from TSW and now has completely clear skin. It gives us all hoep and her book takes you with her along her journey. Click the title to find it on Amazon.This is not Eczema by Claire Oxenham – An illustrated guide to Topical Steroid Withdrawal and what to expect. Claire is going through topical steroid withdrawal herself and wrote this book to help explain the condition to others. I’d describe it as a coffee table book with fun and moving illustrations of all the symptoms you’ll get in TSW. The Shape of Skin by Ruth Holroyd  – A collection of poetry for people with eczema and topical steroid withdrawal. This was a labour of love, loss, grief and hope. I wrote a lot during my TSW journey and still am, journaling and poetry. They are raw and honest and I hope will help you feel less alone, understood and held in your own skin travels. The peculiar disappearance of Jillian Sanchez by Kelly Toews  – Written by fellow TSW warrior, is a story of loss, of pitching into the unknown, of darkness and light and healing. This is currently available on Amazon in Canada.Iron Skin by Brendan John Lee – a memoir of living through Topical Steroid Withdrawal and so well written. I’m reading this one at the moment and really enjoying hearing how he got through his own healing journey. Wildflower by Kuldeep Lall – Poetry and prose (and everything in between), short pieces and long ones, logical expositions of facts, observations, reasonings, questions and answers, together with a relentless, wild, passionate work to dig to find feelings, love, pain and rage, and bring them under the moonlight, in striking ways, two sides of the world, Western and Eastern, meeting each other in one human being: all this, and so much more,. Kuldeep is going through topical steroid withdrawal and some of her poems are about her skin healing journey. The Eczema Detox Cookbook by Karen Fischer – An excellent cook book with meal suggestions and recipes that should be good for eczema skin. This is the fist book I ever saw TSW mentioned in too so Karen understands and recognises the condition.My favourite TSW and Eczema books

What are your favourite books? Books that have helped you through topical steroid withdrawal, or with your eczema? Please share them below.

You may also find the following of interestMy Topical Steroid Withdrawal – Frequently Asked QuestionsA Dermatologists review of The Shape of SkinSelf image, reflections, mirrors and facial eczema and TSWThe post Top 7 books for eczema and Topical Steroid Withdrawal first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

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 ready routine, to put on the band or bracelet and I have a few now to choose from. What surprises me though is how few people with anaphylaxis actually wear a medical band. There are other brands on the market, but none quite like MedicAlert where your medical records and next of kin can be contacted using your unique ID number.

You can get 15% off every purchase at MedicAlert with code What15AllergyWhy should I wear medical jewellery for my allergies?

There are so many reasons, so here are my top ten benefits to wearing a medical bracelet, band or necklace for your anaphylaxis.

Peace of mind – You”l feel safer when you’re wearing one. It’s just one step in my routine of avoiding allergens and staying protected but it gives me peace of mind.Vigilance – It keeps you alert and vigilant. If you have life threatening allergies you need to be vigilant and alert to any potential threats or dangers every day, putting on my bracelet reminds me that I need to stay on the ball.Anxiety – I have had panic attacks in the past and do have anxiety about anaphylaxis. I worry about when I will make a mistake of when someone else will. By wearing one of these bands, I feel I’ve taken a step to calm the heightened anxiety. I can’t stop my anxiety but I can help by knowing I’ve done everything I can to stay safe. Process – I do a hundred tiny things every day automatically, to ensure my safety, and make sure I don’t come into contact with my allergens. Things like carrying two adrenaline auto-injectors and all my medical paraphernalia with me at all times, having an up-to-date Action Plan, telling people about my allergies, showing them how to administer adrenaline, always phoning restaurants and carefully planning what is safe, helping prepare food at dinner parties, always carrying safe food with me just in case, spending ages scouring labels on food to check it’s safe, learning as much as I can, keeping regular asthma checkups, meditation, breathing exercises, being active, getting into nature, writing, the list is endless. Wearing my medical band is just one thing that’s simple and easy to do.It could save your life – It’s like a tiny little life saver in disguise as a piece of cool jewellery. If I’m unconscious and can’t speak, I know paramedics and medical staff can phone up using my ID number to find my medical records and next of kin. If could save your life too!Ice breaker – I also often get asked about it, so it’s a really clever ice breaker. It’s a way of someone finding out why I wear it and also a way of me sharing my experiences and spreading awareness about why it’s important.Medical Data – Anyone treating me will be able to get all the information they need about me, my condition and the treatment I need. It tells them what I’m allergic to, where I live, my doctor’s details and my next of kin so they can call them.They look cool – There are loads to choose from now. It used to be a very practical and medical piece of jewellery but there are loads of choices now, from material bands to silver jewellery. There is something for everyone, with kids and adult options. There are now hundreds to choose from.Hypoallergenic – If you’re allergic to nickel as I am, you can choose from the silver or fabric options.Sensible – It just makes sense guys. It’s a no brainer. And encouraging your child to wear one can also teach them to own their allergy, take control and understand the small things they can do to keep themselves safe.

I would recommend anyone with a life threatening medical condition should wear one.

“I feel safer and less anxious about my allergies when I’m wearing my MedicAlert bracelet.”

Ruth Holroyd, What Allergy Blog

Get 15% off any MedicAlert jewellery You can get 15% off every purchase at MedicAlert with code What15AllergyWhat to expect if you buy one

There is a little bit of setting up to do that can take a while. You need to sign up, specify what your medical condition is or what you are allergic to and decide what you want on the back of your tag. They will make suggestions and help you design it so that all the essential information is there. Once you’ve done that you can shop for your chosen band, necklace or bracelet.

What’s stopping you?

It always amazes me how few people wear one of these because it’s a no brainer for me. Do you wear one? What’s stopping you? Why don’t you have one? Please share your thoughts. I’d love to delve deeper into this.

And finally, if you do want to try on, there are options from as little as £20 for stainless steel, to more expensive options like silver and gold, dog tags, leather and material bands. Get shopping and use code What15Allergy for 15% off at https://www.medicalert.org.uk/

You may also be interested in the followingThe Trip Advisor for allergy people10 tips for getting therapy for fear of anaphylaxisAllergy mistakes – Near Miss reportingAnxiety and post traumatic stress in adults at risk of anaphylaxis – please complete survey…

NB. In the interested of transparency, I do not get any benefit from this affiliate code, it is only you who gets 15% off. Enjoy the discount and please take advantage of this nudge to get extra peace of mind.

The post 10 reasons to wear a MedicAlert bracelet for anaphylaxis first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

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 was getting on. How is my skin? is it helping? What do I love most about my water softener?

Before we go any further, I must be up front and tell you I was given this water softener. I hope I can repay this incredible generosity by sharing the joy of owning one, having soft water and helping my skin to heal day by day.

For more on why I decided to get one, read Can a water softener help eczema skin?

Firstly let’s look at what they are and how they work…

Harvey Arc Water Softener – This is the one I have fitted.How do water softeners work?

A water softener works by removing the magnesium and calcium present in your water supply through a process of ion exchange, turning it from hard water to softened water. Unlike hard water, softened water does not damage your home’s piping, or cause a build up of scale in your appliances; reducing their effectiveness and lifespan.

By softening your water, you can protect your home from harmful build up while also eliminating limescale (which is only present with hard water) and improve your family’s skin and hair, too.

Harvey Water Softeners is the UK’s number one manufacturer. It delivers beautifully softened water by removing hardness minerals from your mains water supply. With hard water these minerals can be seen as a white residue on your surfaces, sinks, taps, kettle and more.

To find out more, read How Water Softeners Work on the Harvey website. It’s all about resin beads and positive and negative charge. All very clever and sciencey.

Why did I choose to get a water softener?

I’ve always wanted one, and not for the main reasons like less limescale and savings on bills, longer lasting appliances, less residue and less damage to pipes. I wanted one purely for my skin, and I’ve wanted one for years. The other obvious benefits are just an added bonus.

I’ve been doing topical steroid withdrawal now for three years and that’s been really hard on my skin. I know that I will never use topical steroid medication for my skin again, I believe we need to find the triggers, work out what causes eczema and support it as best we can, not suppress it with drugs.

So one thing I felt could really help was soft water. I always noticed an improvement when staying in soft water areas for even a short space of time. So I decided it was time to invest in my skin and do everything I could to help it strengthen, regenerate and heal.

Find out more about Harvey Water Softeners for eczema, atopic dermatitis and sensitive dry skinWhat’s improved while using my water softener?

Since November time has flown, but now it’s been three months I thought I’d do a quick check in to let you know how it’s helped. The Pros and Cons. There really aren’t many cons. You do have to buy salt and replace it but for me the salt has lasted really well. I probably have to put more salt in every 3-4 months, depending on how often I use it. So here are my top 20 reasons to get a Harvey Water Softener.

Less dryness – My skin is less dry. It’s still dry, it will always be dry while I am going through topical steroid withdrawal but I’ve noticed that I can use less moisturiser and my skin needs less. Now that I’m not using huge tubs of paraffin based emollients that I used to get on prescription, I am reliant on more expensive natural alternatives and these are working well for me but I’m buying them less frequently as I heal.Less tightness – The other day I realised that my face and skin does not immediately tighten when I get out of the bath. I only moisturise the back so my legs, arm crease, lower arms, wrists, hands and face now. And I leave all these alone as much as I can. I don’t have to rush to moisturise after bathing now, but I do still put on some emollient because I feel it helps me get through the night.My hands are so much better – They are still not healed. Typically hands are one of the last areas to heal through TSW but they are markedly better, the skin is stronger, less swollen, inflamed and red and less itchy. I do wash my hands quite a lot as I am always worried about infections and the soft water feels like silk on my skin.Soap lasts FOREVER – I am still using the same bar of soap I opened when I first got the water softener installed. It has hardly shrunk in size at all. Perhaps this is an advert for the soap also, but it and the water are like silk on my hands and I need hardly any soap to get a lather and feel clean.Shampoo lasts AGES too – I’ve noticed also that I need a tiny bit of shampoo so it’s lasting AGES. I try to only wash my hair twice a week anyway as my scalp is healing.My scalp is less itchy – I’m sure the soft water has helped my scalp too. No tightness after washing my hair. I used to saw at my head with a comb after washing. I don’t even feel the need to do that any more.Softer skin – Again, if you saw my skin you would see that is is different as it goes through TSW, but it feels softer and stronger. I can’t really scientifically prove this, but anecdotally, I’m doing really well and huge areas of my skin need no moisturiser at all.Less cleaning – As you know, I love a bath Showers are still too triggering so I bath a few times a week. I use an ecloth to wipe the bath down but there is never any scum now. It’s so clean. I’m experimenting with natural cleaners like vinegar and lemon juice and it works a treat – where it struggled with limescale. I’m all for less cleaning, I hate cleaning! hahah.Limescale is disappearing – There were stubborn bits of limescale in the bathroom and they are slowly going as I work on them each time I clean. No new limescale is appearing and I’m looking forward to when it’s all gone!Easy to use – One thing I was really worried about was forgetting to put in new salt, but you don’t need to fret about that at all. There is a free app for Harvey Water Softeners that tells you how much salt is left. Mine takes 4 curved salt blocks and I only just reordered them. When your water softener is installed you get enough salt to last a few months to get you started. The softener has a clever cover called an ilid, which communicates with the app via Wifi and lets you know when salt needs replacing.Easy to replace salt – It takes just a few moments to replace the salt and it’s really simple and slick to remove the ilid cover to get access.It looks smart – Every time I go into the cupboard under the sink for washing powder or soap nuts I see my water softener. It’s so cool. Great installation – Mine had to be retro fitted into the floor and hole cut into the kitchen unit. The guys who fit the units are so flexible and worked out a way to fit mine because nothing is ever simple with my house. I was really impressed with the no nonsense way they worked together to get it installed swiftly and theyImpressive After Sales – I’ve had a few calls to check how I’m getting on with my water softener and I’ve been impressed with all the staff. They are efficient, friendly and helpful.Easy maintenance – Once it’s installed you really don’t need to do anything except replace the salt. I reckon it’s costing me about £18 every 3-4 months. There is also a filter cartridge that should be replaced every 12 months. These range from £55 to £73. There may be some servicing that’s needed but I’d say if there is it will be minimal.Great reviews – Before buying anything I ask for recommendations and check reviews on TrustPilot. I wasn’t disappointed. They get very good reviewsTrusted supplier – From my internet research Harvey Water Softeners are the the No. 1 in the industry in the UK. I’ve just gone to leave my own review. Spread the love.My coffee tastes so good – Not sure if I’m imagining this but my morning coffee and herbal teas taste amazing.I’m drinking the soft water – It’s a myth that you can’t drink the water from a water softener. They did fit me a little tap that gives hard water for drinking should I want it, but I’ve been drinking the soft water too, it tastes lovely and is safe to drink.Great payment options – You can pay outright, monthly or take advantage of the 3 month free trial or you can even rent a water softener.This is Fran’s story, she has eczema

Getting a water softener for Fran helped her eczema heal.

You can find loads of other case studies on YouTube and on their website.

I’m hoping to do a video story for my journey when I’ve had a little longer.

How do I get a Harvey Water Softener?They are offering a 3 months free trialNo obligation and with a 100% money back guarantee.They also offer many other payment plans including rental, monthly instalments and loans.If you decide to get one, please tell them I sent you! Quote What Allergy when you order.Visit Harvey Water Softeners TodayYou may also find the following usefulNatural treatments for allergic asthma30 ways to stay cool for itchy skinTopical Steroid Withdrawal – Frequently asked questionsPatch testing for allergy and eczema triggers

Image: Harvey Water Softeners

The post 20 reasons to get a Harvey water softener for eczema first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

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 everyone should watch this and let it be a warning not to use them.

This short film has caught me unawares. I knew it was good because I’d heard the buzz online and spoken to friends who had seen it but I wasn’t ready to watch it. I felt too raw, too emotional, so when I finally sat down today to watch it, I was enthralled and captivated.

I was also brought right back to those dark nights, the hopeless days and weeks when the pain was so intense all I did was get through each day and try to get some food inside me.

Please, please watch this film. It is truly outstanding.

Some phrases and sections will stay with me as Ceci captures the core of my own thoughts.

I’m not dying.. but living hurts.

Walking through this path blind with no sight of how and when our bodies with recover… because there isn’t enough information out there.

She shows this by blindfolding herself with bandages – this felt so poignant and was the first moment tears welled in my eyes.

The bath was and still is such a soothing safe place for me so I felt warmth for Ceci’s journey and struggling seeing how much comfort she took from her baths too.

She describes the symptoms, the itching, the insomnia, the pain, the loneliness with such sensitivity.

And how life goes on around us as we feel stuck, like we’re going backwards not forwards.

She fears she is not capable of being a mother… a good partner.

I’ve felt this too, for my family and friends. I felt like I’d just stepped into a hole and let many of them down by just retreating because that was all I could manage.

I am so thankful to those friends and family who have walked with me through this and given me the courage to be seen and vulnerable with them. Thank you for checking in and encouraging me to walk and run, two things that help me so much, both as distraction and I think aid healing.

The parts where her partner comforts her of brings a drink made me feel so alone. But also so proud of myself for getting through this on my own. I think when I was planning to dive into the depths of TSW I knew I would do better by myself. I planned it so that it began when I had a safe home sorted and some money to tide me over the first few months.

There are so many phrases from the film that moved me deeply… the whole film is poetic and the words chosen carefully and with great effect.

There isn’t a single day I don’t itch – this is so true.

My nightmares have been while awake…

The sound effect of scratching constantly in the background.

The sighs of pain, the hopelessness. The crying in bed.

I have lost count of the times I have cried myself to sleep, in pain, torment and at the end, thinking I would rather not wake to do it all again the next day and next. That this pain is too much. But every day I wake and move forwards.

The anger, the rage. the disappointment when you flare and get worse.

This is not a highly recognise condition in the medical industry. I’d go further and say poorly recognised.

Our bodies are all different but together we can be a stronger community.

Let’s be the change. Let’s create the data.

Healing happens.

It will happen.

Thank you Ceci for this incredible portrayal of a life with TSW, a journey that is still going on for you and for many more of us. A life that is to come in the future for people who do not know they are in danger of addiction and withdrawal.

Please watch this film and please talk about it too.

I have watched it about five times and am going to watch it again. It’s beautiful. I challenge you not to be moved.

And I urge you to stay away from topical steroids and spread the word to others of the dangers too.

You can find Ceci on instagram as misscecifrench

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you watched it?

You may also find the following of interestMy Topical Steroid Withdrawal Frequently Asked QuestionsThe Shape of Skin – a poetry book for people with eczema, topical steroid withdrawal, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis and sensitive skin.Getting the most out of your Dermatology AppointmentThe post My life through Topical Steroid withdrawal – Film review! first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

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 that topical steroid withdrawal even exists, despite it being recognise by the MHRA and basically ignored everything I said, dismissed all my concerns and views, interrupted me and talked over me…

What is gaslighting?

From wikipedia: loosely defined as making someone question their own reality. The term may also be used to describe a person (a “gaslighter”) who presents a false narrative to another group or person which leads them to doubt their perceptions and become misled (generally for the gaslighters’ own benefit), disoriented or distressed. People who are gaslit are continually fed false information, in this case, you just have eczema, you will never get better, steroids are completly safe, you used them wrong, these new treatments are completely safe… you do not have topical steroid withdrawal.

It originates from an old 1938 play, Gas Light, and its film adaptation where the husband flickers the gaslights when he’s pretending he is out of the house, whilst he’s really hiding in the attic. He tries to convince his wife she is imagining things.

“Doctors, GPs, dermatologists, if you’re reading this… please don’t gaslight us. Listen to us.”

Ruth – whatallergy

I’m not even sure why I went now because it was a complete waste of time.

I wanted him to to see TSW skin, what it looks like.

I wanted him to follow my journey and see what I was experiencing.

I wanted him to listen and have some compassion but all he saw was poorly controlled and managed eczema.

My dermatologist said to me…

Things my dermatologist said to me this morning:

You just have very poorly controlled eczemaI don’t think you have Topical Steroid WithdrawalI don’t believe Topical Steroid Withdrawal even exists. If used correctly, twice a week as a maintenance dose, topical steroids are completely safe.You won’t succeed at this refusing treatmentI’ll see you in a year and if you still don’t want treatment I will discharge youYou’ll give up and have to use Protopic and a biologicHow about Methotrexate? Had to remind him that gave me shingles and I had to stop using itHow about Dupixent?How about Azathiaprine?I’m old school and I’ll never believe in this TSW

Also accompanied by the eye roll, the smug knowing smile that he is right and I’m a completely hysterical idiotic woman.

I’m really not sure why I went now. He didn’t listen as I listed my symptoms and why these differ from severe eczema. He refused to entertain that TSW even exists.

He refused to put TSW on my records. All he agreed to put was, “she is not interested in any treatments offered and I have agreed to see her in a year.”

At this point, in a years time, if I still continue with TSW and am not healed, I would be discharged.

I just wanted him to see my TSW symptoms – all he saw was ECZEMA – THIS IS NOT ECZEMA

You should have seen his face when I told him I wasn’t using paraffin emollients anymore and that I was trying moisturiser withdrawal

Topical steroid withdrawal is real

And here’s the proof

MHRA has recognised TSW as real due to so many Yellow Card submissions about the damage topical steroids have caused.There is a charity for it called ITSANThe British Association of Dermatology AND the National Eczema Society have both issued joint statements explaining TSW for professionals.There have been numerous studies into TSW. To find out more the links to these can be found in the TSW FAQ and the Sample Letter for your dermatologists – link at the bottom of the page.How do we get them to listen?

I am feeling surprisingly calm but I need my body to heal. I need to go back in there healed and give him the Eff you, you gaslighting old school arsehole.

I’m very proud that I remained calm and polite but very unimpressed with how he spoke to me.

He’s not watched any of the documentaries I’ve sent to him and refuses to read any studies or acknowledge that I have any credible argument against his years practicing as an immune suppressing practitioner – sorry dermatologist!

I just want a dermatologist to look me in the eye and say, sorry. We failed you. You are experiencing Topical Steroid Withdrawal. How can we help you heal? I can’t even get the natural balms I want to use on prescription. I think it will be VERY LONG time before anything changes.

Dermatology in the UK needs a HUGE overhaul

For now it’s just us against the broken system.

Basically it’s a whole shit heap.

Dermatology in the UK is rotten to the core.

But don’t lose hope. That’s just me ranting in disbelief and anger.

But every time a patient mentions TSA, TSW or Red Skin syndrome to their GP or dermatologist that’s a step forward.

Every time one of us heals our own way, that’s a victory.

I feel so sad, let down and despondent. It took a lot of courage to walk in there today and he was such an annoying gaslighting ****..

As I was leaving I said something like… “I know you hate me because I disregard everything you tell me to do.!” To which he replied.

“No, I don’t tell patients what to do, I offer them options.”

Seems like I’ve run out of options…

What happens when ALL the options are immune supressing solutions with side effects that could do even more damage to my poor, poor struggling body?

Instead I am left paying for my own expensive natural emollients because all the NHS will fund me is paraffin based stuff, paying for my own bandages, tubigrips, all the natural treatments I’ve found for myself. I am taking nothing from the NHS how.

I will just add he send me for blood tests for my air borne allergens but I think I know what I’m allergic to anyway: dust, cats, pollen, mould, birch… let’s see what else comes up.

A plea for help from healed TSW warriors

So what I’d like to ask for is that all healed TSW warriors go back to their GP and doctor, dermatologist or specialist to tell them how they healed. If they don’t ever see anyone come through this they will continue to believe that they are right.

Please do this for me. Please. Because going through that dermatology visit whilst going through TSW has left me feeling hopeless, doubting and wondering whether he is in fact correct and I will never heal. I’m terrified that he’s right. TERRIFIED that I have just spent three years torturing myself with nothing to show for it.

THREE YEARS and for what? This is so hard.

When you are ignored, disbelieved, gaslit and dismissed. Yet you fear this is a medical emergency for the future that our current dermatology system is ill prepared for and hiding their heads in the sand.

I will NEVER go back to dermatology in the UK. I am now looking for a holistic therapist who can help me find a natural way to continue to heal. I’m not giving them the time of day any more. I know I am right, deep down I know I am. I have to stay strong and keep believing.

I am off to do some yoga stretching and a short meditation to centre myself again.

You may also be interested in:Sample letter to send to your GP or Dermatologist explaining Topical Steroid WithdrawalMy Topical Steroid Withdrawal – Frequently Asked QuestionsGetting the most out of your dermatology appointmentSkin on Fire – A documentary about topical Steroid Withdrawal (my review)The post Gaslit by my dermatologist for the last time first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

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, panic attacks and serious anxiety about living with the threat of anaphylaxis and potentially losing my life, to finding the mental health help and therapy that I needed.

I hope you can read the article here from the screenshots, but there is also a download available below.

learning to fight for what I need in Happiful magazinePlease note Anaphylaxis book name change

Since writing this article, my book is now called ‘Anaphylaxis: The Essential Guide: An Action Plan For Living With Life-Threatening Allergies.’ – ‘The Reluctant Allergy Expert’ is no more! It’s exactly the same book inside, just with a new cover and name.

The book was therapy to write, it took me right back to those terrifying moments and helped me make sense of those feelings and find a way forwards. If you have intense feelings of anxiety, panic, fear, rage, anger, hopelessness and don’t know what do to, you are not alone. These feelings are completely normal, absolutely essential to keep us safe, because ultimately we are at risk, but we can learn to live with these feeling and use them to our advantage.

Anaphylaxis: The Essential Guide: An Action Plan For Living With Life-Threatening Allergies

You can download a PDF of the article here.

Download Happiful article here

I absolutely love Happiful, it’s so packed full of good news stories, mental health journeys and I found every article interesting and have read it cover to cover. You can subscribe free online to the Happiful e-magazine.

Do you read it? Did you read this article? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

You may also find the following interesting10 tips for getting therapy for fear of anaphylaxisHow running helps my mental health in so many waysAnxiety and post traumatic stress in adults with anaphylaxis – please complete this survey

The post Learning to fight for what I need first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

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.

I get to discover cool new products.I know that I can trust the products showcased by the awards because they’ve been rigorously vetted, tried and tested.The other judges are super cool and I ‘ve made so many friends through being involved. I also learn so much from the pre and post judging chat. New products, which supermarkets stock what, all the hot gossip in the allergy worldAnd it gets me out of my hermit, freelance, work-from-home lifestyle too.

This year I got involved with judging a number of categories. So here you go, with a few little highlights of the things I loved best and will be rushing out to buy!

Those Morrisons TrufflesGluten free and low alcohol beveragesThose of you who know me will know how much I love beer and in particular real ale. There some really great gluten free beers to try, including Wold Top, Hepworth, Jump Ship, Butcombe, Gun Brewery, Burnt Mill, JUBEL, Daura Damm, St Peters, to name just a few. I have to admit, I enjoyed them all, but as always there were some stand out beers. I loved Butcombe’s Gold Gluten Free ale and Daura Damms gluten free lager. What I cannot believe is that my favourite was a Porter! You know that really dark stuff that old men drink? Well I thought I didn’t like Porter. Turns out I do! If you’re coeliac or have a wheat allergy, check out Bellfield Porter! It had a delicious burnt aroma, chocolatey and rich.Low and No Alcohol BeerThe Free From Beer Company – I loved their low alcohol beerHepworth Brewery Aztech Light – this low alcohol GF lager was also very drinkable.Soup and Bowl Meals (which I also sponsored this year)ASDA – Carrot and Coriander soup in their freefrom range which I really enjoyed. It’s also really affordable at just £1.25 and is such a simple recipe with just five ingredients. I will definitely be looking out for this for those days when I can’t face making my own.ASDA Singapore Rice Noodle Curry pot – I really loved their freefrom range. This had a great kick and I enjoyed it. Not quite such simple ingredients as the soup, but also really good value at just £1.27.Lazy Vegan – Risotto – I LOVED this! I really enjoy making my own Risotto at home but anyone who has done this knows it’s a faff, needs constant attention and isn’t a quick meal to make. I’ll definitely be buying this.Most of the others were very heavily tomato based or had other allergens that I couldn’t eat so I missed out trying most of the entrants. And weirdly, none of the products on own roundup of Free From Soup and Bowl meals had even entered!GiftingFrownies Brownies – Celebration Brownie Birthday Slab – Free from the top 14 allergens and big win with me. It costs £24 but you can personalise with the name and celebration and everyone can enjoy it. It’s a yes from me!Morrisons Truffles – These were amazing! I may have had to try a few of these, just to be sure on flavour and to check whether I really did like them. They also come in a really lovely packaging and are individually foil wrapped.All the other entries had milk and or nuts so I didn’t try them.Best Product in Food ServiceSome interesting entries, including a pizza base that would be safe for all and some interesting sauces, including a Hollandaise and a Mexican cheesy sauce that was dairy free.Best Packaging productThis category is judged virtually, we look at all the elements of good allergen labelling and there are some companies who are really getting it right. We get very technical and dive deep into what works, what doesn’t and highlight good and bad practise. I have to say the packaging is getting better and better.Frownies Brownies cakes – Free From the Top 14 allergens – 10% off your first orderThe hot allergy gossipCoop Food to Go have some great potential free from products coming soon so go check those out.Coop are also now stocking a range of nut free cakes – Look at their celebration cake range and look out for the Nut Free roundel on the packaging.Pret now do some options too – Pulled pork rice bowl and some health free from bowl saladsCheck out Healthy Nibbles – not judged or seen but discussed during judging and sounds pretty cool! e.g. they do a Free From Mini Box of various products for £13.49 which contains six delicious allergen safe snacks – free from all 14 major allergens. Lazy Vegan – Thai Green Curry that just might be suitable for us multiple allergic peeps! A Thai-style frozen vegan ready meal loaded with fresh vegetables like sugar snaps, baby corn, green pepper, carrot and rice. It comes with a nice authentic Thai curry sauce and our Chicken Style Pieces, made from the protein of garden peas. No allergens and no may contain warnings! Again, not judged nor tested but came in conversation as a product we wish had entered!Lazy Day Foods are now doing a Shortbread in a tin! They’re very nice! So look out for that too.

So that’s a wrap really. What I learnt judging the Free From Food Awards. Have you found this blog interesting? Are there any cool products you think you might look out for? Do you spot the FFFA logo on products and trust the brand more? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

ASDA Carrot and Coriander SoupYou may also find the following interestingI won the Free From Hero Award 2021My favourite Free From Food Award Finds from 2021The Free From Skincare AwardsAllergy Mistakes – Why near miss reporting is so importantThe Trip Advisor for People with Allergies

The post Sponsoring and judging at the Free From Food Awards first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

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 allergens will be too. Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year and a favourite season for many people… everyone except people plagued by seasonal allergies, that is.

Allergies can make things particularly difficult for our older loved ones. Seasonal allergy symptoms can even be hazardous for those who suffer from other chronic diseases or conditions.

If this sounds like you or your elderly loved one, read on to discover ten tips for dealing with the dreaded seasonal shift.

Tips for seniors with seasonal allergies – Finding fun activities to do indoors on high pollen count daysKeep A Check On Your Symptoms – Don’t assume that just because you’ve never suffered from spring allergies in the past that they won’t, or can’t, develop in your golden years. Many senior folks can and do suffer from allergies and have the symptoms to go with them. These symptoms can vary, but they tend to include things like a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and persistent sneezing. Monitor how you feel each day as the season changes and note any adverse reactions that you may have. Chat To Your Doctor – Most older people have one or more health conditions deemed to be more serious than seasonal allergies. That means that allergies and their symptoms are sometimes overlooked by their primary care physician. If you are unsure of whether or not their symptoms are allergy-related, asking their doctor will be the best way to narrow it down.Keep An Eye On The Pollen Count – Many websites and weather apps offer pollen trackers to make dealing with seasonal allergies a little easier. Help your elderly loved ones by showing them how to track the pollen in their area. Knowing what the pollen count is can help them to plan their outdoor activities accordingly. If you are the one who suffers from allergies, then use that count as an indicator on when to have your windows closed for the day. Install filters on your air-conditioner to trap the pollen and prevent it from circulating in your home.Invest In Good Filters – Allergies don’t have to be caused by pollen. Dirt, dust, and pet dander can all trigger an allergic response within the body. Investing in a good filter for your vacuum cleaner and air purifier can go a long way to achieving lasting allergy relief. The filters can’t totally eliminate those allergy triggers, but they will help boost the overall air quality in your home. That will help to reduce the worst of the symptoms and make life a little easier during the seasonal change.Avoid Self-Diagnosing – When it comes to allergy symptoms, most of them can be the same as symptoms of something more serious, such as COVID-19. If you haven’t suffered from allergies in the past, call your doctor or your elderly loved one’s doctor and let them know your concerns. It may be tempting to self-diagnose, but try to refrain from doing this. The internet is filled with misinformation and lies and that could confuse someone whose generation was more about newspapers than websites.No OTC Medications – Unless you know for sure what is wrong, and you’ve okayed the medication with your or your loved one’s doctor – never use over-the-counter antihistamines. These may seem like a great idea to treat your symptoms, but they often come with a long list of nasty side effects. Allergy medications can also often interact with medications that are commonly prescribed to seniors, such as blood pressure meds or sleeping pills. Make sure your elderly loved one has one of the best medical alert systems for seniors, that way if there is a bad reaction then they can call for help at the push of a button.Keep Pollen Out – Besides the filter and air purifier methods, you can reduce the amount of pollen in your home by regularly washing your clothes straight after you’ve spent a lot of time outdoors. Pollen tends to stick to your hair and clothes and gets tracked back into your home. As soon as you’ve returned home, remove your shoes wash your hands, and change your clothes. Those clothes can be washed straight away to prevent the pollen from spreading. That is why bees are sometimes attracted to us when we’re outside, we might not realise that the pollen is on us, but they sure do!Keep Doors and Windows Closed – As the seasons change and the temperatures heat up, it might be all too tempting to fling open the windows and doors and let all of that beautiful sunlight inside. That is a great idea for someone who doesn’t have allergies and an absolute nightmare for someone who does! Keep your windows and doors closed to prevent large doses of pollen from accumulating in your home, particularly on windy days.Rule Out Geriatric Rhinitis – As we age, the supporting cartilage around our noses grows weak. That leads to narrowing airways and a blocked nose. Besides impeding the flow of blood, that can also lead to nasal dryness which only makes the situation worse. The most commonly prescribed medications for allergies like antihistamines and decongestants often dry the nasal passages even more and amplify the problem. In that case, consider using nasal sprays or a more modern form of antihistamine.Find Something Fun To Do Indoors – When the allergy season is at its peak, going outside is not recommended. It is strongly recommended that you or your sneezy loved one stays inside during that time. Find something fun to do like watching a series on Netflix, or reading a book. Help your elderly loved ones find ways to stay active indoors so that they don’t have to venture outside too often in the spring.If you have a ragweed allergy you may also react to dandelion pollen

Having allergies isn’t easy. With these simple tips, you can take back your life and enjoy the beauty of the changing season.

Image: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
Photo by Nita from Pexels

nb: This is a sponsored post.

You may find the following interestingLate onset allergies, dermatitis and asthma in the elderlyHay fever affects almost half of the UK20 things you can to reduce hay fever symptomsNatural treatments for allergic asthmaTen foods to fight hay feverThe post 10 Spring Allergy Tips For Seniors first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

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 and then stopping my asthma medication (initially by mistake) this breathing technique has enabled me to ditch the inhalers.

“It works just like my blue inhaler, arguably even better.“

Ruth Holroyd on Buteyko breathing for asthma

I still get wheezy now and then, and when I do I will simply stand tall, breathe in and out slowly and hold my breath for as long as I can. That’s it pretty much, it’s that easy. Ideally you could also nod your head and walk around slowly at the same time, it just works better if you do. The Buteyko Breathing seems to loosen phlegm and make me cough and the wheezing passes and stops, often with only one cycle of Buteyko breathing. However I’ll do it a few times to really clear things. It’s safe, simple and avoids the need for any drugs. You can do this sitting down or laying in bed also, but it works best standing and walking.

How did I hear about Buteyko Breathing?

Initially an asthma nurse told me about it at a check-up, but she didn’t demonstrate it or explain it fully. I didn’t actually start doing it until the last few years, but I feel that is she’d believed more strongly in this technique, shown me how and walked me though it I may have discovered this magic healing method far sooner. I can’t blame her entirely, but I really wish I had started doing it at that time. Because it’s changed my life as far as asthma goes. I can’t remember the last time I needed my blue inhaler and I no longer use a preventative inhaler either.

This all began to happen with I cut out topical steroids and I’m convinced there is some connection.

Why are we not teaching kids and adults this breathing technique? Seriously EVERY person with asthma should be taught because I believe it could even save lives. How many times have you been caught out without your inhaler? Left it at home or in another bag, hidden in a different coat pocket… or even just run out of the drug inside so you’re puffing at nothing. It’s a horrible, terrifying feeling as the breathlessness takes over.

Why mouth breathing doesn’t help asthma

Another common problem for people with allergies and asthma is that often their noses and sinuses are blocked so they can’t breathe through their nose. However we are meant to breathe through our noses, they have loads of hairs lining them which catch pollen and allergens so if you don’t or can’t breathe in through your nose you’re missing out a stage of that natural filtering process. Breathing in through your mouth lets all pollen and allergens straight into your body, mouth, gut and there the problems begin.

Also try Pranyama breathing

Pranyama breathing, or alternate nostril breathing helps me relax, reduce anxiety and also encourages that all important nose breathing.

What is wrong breathing?

“When someone talks about ‘wrong breathing’, it means he or she doesn’t understand my discovery,” – said Dr. Konstantin Pavlovich Buteyko – “in physiology there is only the concept: the norm. The deviation from the norm is disease. Therefore we don’t talk about ‘wrong body temperature’ or ‘wrong blood pressure’ and for breathing it is exactly the same. But deep breathing is a deviation from the norm. So this is a disease.”

Deep breathing causes various disturbances in the body. The body tries to compensate for these disturbances: the airways are constricted, the blood vessels are constricted, the nervous system becomes stressed, etc. It is clear that, as breathing is reduced to the norm, these adjustments are no longer necessary for the body and health is restored.

It is now a clear fact, which has been confirmed by all published studies, that development and first stages of asthma are always accompanied by hyperventilation. The situation with medical respiratory professionals and asthma was accurately reflected by Peter Kolb,

“… asthma is a disorder which is investigated by thousands of respiratory specialists with millions of dollars worth of equipment to measure breathing. Yet after more than half a century of work by all these people measuring patients’ breathing, they haven’t picked up that asthmatics are just breathing too much” (Kolb, private communication, 2001)

.

I think what Peter Kolb is saying is that we immediately panic and start to try really hard to get that breath into our lungs. I can feel the sensation and remember many times when I’ve struggled and struggled to get my breath in. It’s horrible, painful and it usually ends with a worse and worse asthma attack. With Buteyko Breathing you just breathe in and out as you would normally and hold your breathe. It sounds so counter intuitive but it really works.

This study into Buteyko breathing had staggering results

Clinical trial conducted at the Mater Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
Buteyko breathing techniques in asthma: a blinded randomised controlled trial.
Simon D Bowler, Amanda Green and Charles A Mitchell
The study was carried out from January 1995 to April 1995.

Buteyko group:
Bronchodilators after 3 months: 96% less
Inhaled steroids after 3 months 49% less
Reduction of symptom scores after 3 months: 71%

Control group:
Bronchodilators after 3 months: 7% less
Inhaled steroids after 3 months: remained the same
Reduction of symptom scores after 3 months: 14%

On the 2 pages below you can read how to do the Buteyko breathing normalisation exercises:

Marina Buteyko, Vladimir Buteyko
THE FIRST-HAND BUTEYKO METHOD:
https://www.buteyko.ru/izdan/first_hand_buteyko_method.doc

Getting Started with the Buteyko Method
by Peter Kolb:
http://members.westnet.com.au/pkolb/but_strt.htm

Please give it a try, it’s truly phenomenal.

Watch this video showing how to do Buteyko breathing

This video demonstrates how to unblock the nose and decongest in just five minutes and get you breathing through your nose again.

What happens when you try it? Please give it a go now and post your comments below.

This is a real case of where less is more…

You may also find the following usefulHow running helps heal my skin, eczema, TSW and asthmaNatural treatments for allergic asthmaThe dangers of oral corticosteroidsThe post Buteyko breathing reduces need for asthma inhaler first appeared on What Allergy Blog.