Ruth Holroyd's Blog, page 20

Write to your MP about allergies

I’ve just written a letter to my MP calling for an Allergy Tsar to represent the growing need for a burgeoning problem of allergies and anaphylaxis in the UK.

Because for whatever reason allergies are on the rise yet support is on the decrease.

We keep talking about it and trying to raise awareness but we still hear about unavoidable deaths from allergies, usually young adults or kids when mistakes are made when they’re eating out.

We need to do better.

These kids are living in fear. Many of them are hiding away at home and refusing to go out.

Too scared to take the risk of meeting the assassin that could be waiting for every single one of us who lives with allergies.

This applies to us adults too!

I shared the Natasha Foundation plea in a recent blog, We need an Allergy Tsar. Please visit this blog and sign the petition for change.

The need for an Allergy Tsar has never been greater!

Now they have a letter template that you can download to send to your local MP.

It feels like it’s not enough but it’s a start. We still have a long way to go.

I have been campaigning and lobbying parliament now for years and on every occasion we were seeing the same problems. Nothing changes.

Ten years pass and we are still having the same conversations. 20 years, the same…Young families don’t get the help they need when their baby shows signs of eczema and allergies are not diagnosed until the baby has an anaphylactic reaction, despite early warning signs. Restaurants still don’t always take allergies seriously. A friend whose son has a nut allergy and has had an anaphylactic reaction has not been prescribed an adrenaline auto injector. Just told to avoid nuts. This is what happened to me some 35 years ago. There are NICE guidelines for this, it should not be getting brushed under the carpet. It’s serious.Schools need to do better to ensure inclusion and education at early ages. We all need to do better at education because I still regularly meet people who don’t’ know how or where to administer adrenaline, or who don’t realise it’s life threatening.We all need to take responsibility for our own safety, be bold, be confident, demand the information we need and be strong enough to walk away if we don’t feel safe.

Together we can make a difference.

Click on the button below to download the template letter

Write a letter to your MP

Do you still meet people who don’t understand anaphylaxis?

Are you still explaining how to use adrenaline?

I don’t mind people asking, there is no such thing as a stupid question, but it just feels like an uphill battle sometimes.

Keep on raising awareness for me please!

On the plus side I’ve had some wonderful eating out experiences since lockdown. More on that soon!

The post Write to your MP about allergies first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Is calcium carbonate suitable for shell fish allergic and vegans?

If you have a fish or shellfish allergy you’ll be pretty familiar with avoiding fish hidden in sauces, Thai food, flavourings etc. But do you check the labels on vitamins, minerals and supplements?

The issue here is that calcium carbonate could be made from oyster shells which would mean it could contain traces of shellfish. If that’s the case it wouldn’t be suitable for fish or shellfish allergy people or vegans. Since I don’t have a fish or shellfish allergy myself this has never really crossed my mind.

I found an interesting article on The Vegetarian Resource Group Blog called, Calcium Carbonate in most soy, rice beverages and calcium carbonate derived from mineral source not oyster shell.: Source does not have to be labelled.

In this article they list the various potential sources for calcium carbonate as rock, limestone, from the earth and oyster and clam shells.

Regular supporter Lydia shared her and her son’s experience.

A reaction to shellfish in calcium carbonate from oat milk

We aren’t going to mention the brand of oat milk, but Lydia recently contacted a well known oatmilk company which added calcium carbonate to their milk after her son became ill and tests showed shellfish was present. She said he has never eaten them, he hates fish.  Lydia feels that, “There was not any mention of shellfish on their products and I have even spoken to vegans that were unaware their calcium supplements contained shellfish.  It is even in most antacid tablets and I feel strongly people should be informed.  I am at present trying to find a calcium he can take without shellfish and have read taking ‘Tums’ of all things (one antacid without shellfish, bit ironic) which is recommended for calcium intake. ”  

Lydia wrote to the company, who she really respects. We won’t mention them here, but she loves that they do an amazing choice of foods for people with allergies as there was a particular egg substitute she wanted to try.  She had read the ingredients and noticed there was calcium carbonate.  So she emailed them to find out if by some miracle their calcium carbonate is free of shellfish, below is the reply from their Quality Assurance Manager:-

“Please note that the calcium carbonate used in our select products is derived from natural rock formations such as chalk.  All our products are free from fish and shellfish. They are also all labelled as vegan, which means they do not contain any animal products or derivatives”

She emailed them back, saying, ‘please note I am no expert or scientist, but feel frustrated that a company selling products for allergy sufferers sent the above reply’.  Here’s here email back to the company for clarification:

“Please forgive me if I appear pedantic, but as you know getting correct information is important, because if incorrect, it is potentially life threatening for allergy sufferers.  I am aware that chalk is used as a substitute for calcium, however, chalk is derived from a variety of limestone composed mainly from the shells of tiny marine animals known as ‘Foraminifera’.  So your products do in fact indirectly contain shellfish derivative! This is dangerous to people with severe allergies to shellfish, not all, as some are allergic to the protein in the flesh of shellfish, but is something important to be acknowledged”.

She feels frustrated and explained to me the following, “I should not have to inform them of basic information they should be aware of if selling to allergy sufferers. I have also written to GlaxoSmithKline who make ‘Tums’ as they state they do not use calcium carbonate made from chalk carbonate.  I will be interested to know what they use as I will be informing as many Companies I can to educate them and hopefully get them to change to a safer calcium substitute.  People with intolerances and allergies reach for antacids on a regular basis as most contain the calcium carbonate from shellfish not realising they could be exacerbating their conditions. Tablets such as supplements use binders which again contain rubbish for allergy sufferers, the list is endless.

I found another article which stated that Tums antacid tablets, which contain calcium carbonate, does not contain any shellfish. Read Calcium supplements if allergic to shellfish.

If we look at the article linked to at the beginning of this blog it states from the FDA: “If there is someone that has an allergy to shellfish, we would suggest staying away from products or supplements that contain calcium carbonate.”

The problem, explained in the article is that Oysters are not crustaceans. (Shrimp and lobster are.) Oysters (and clams) belong to the class of “shellfish” known as mollusks. For this reason alone, neither oyster protein nor oyster shell would need to be labelled under FALCPA, even though companies may, (and often do), disclose any oyster component in their products voluntarily.

But what if a person is allergic to oysters and clams? It would seem that this is a loop hole that doesn’t require labelling as it’s not technically shellfish, yet our understanding of shellfish would include these also. I would always lump all fish and seafood together, not isolate some as slightly different.

In the UK we have 14 allergens which must be labelled, including fish, shellfish and molluscs.

However in the US, the Big 8 labelled only includes Fish and Crustacean Shellfish. NOT Molluscs. Read Allergy Insight’s blog to see the comparison between the different country labelling laws. Allergens: The Big 8 and The Big 14.

Visit the FDA website for Guidelines on Seafood allergy.

It raises questions for vegans too because they definitely wouldn’t want to consume something made from oyster shells.

If you, like Lydia, are looking for vegan calcium sources you will find this blog, Sources of Calcium for vegans and dairy free really useful.

Oat milks that are freefrom calcium carbonate

You can read my full review of Oat Milk available in the UK with ingredients for each. I will keep adding to this list as there are others that I’ve not yet included in my research. But look out for PureOaty, Plenish and Rude Health Oat milks as these are all really simple and not fortified with added calcium carbonate.

Read more here in Roundup of Oat Milks in the UK

Is there oyster protein left in calcium carbonate?

So my question is, would there be enough protein left in oyster or other fish shells used to make calcium carbonate from chalk?

A quick google threw up this:

Oyster shell is composed of protein polysaccharides and minerals including calcium magnesium, sodium, copper iron, nickel, strontium and some microelements. Chemical and microstructure analysis showed that oyster–shells are predominantly composed of calcium carbonate with rare impurities.

So there definitely is protein in the shells. But how much remains after the shells have been crushed and formed naturally into chalk.

I’m not a scientist of an expert so I wouldn’t know whether this would cause an issue for people with allergies to shellfish. But the anecdotal evidence shared above would suggest that they can and do have enough protein to cause problems.

Visit the Pure Health blog for detailed information on Vegan Supplement Protocol. Micki who writes this blog has researched in detail which supplements should be safe.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Anyone else had a reaction to calcium carbonate who has a shellfish allergy?

Is this a problem?

Do any vegans out there see this a problem?

Let’s have a heated debate!

Photo by Maria Orlova from Pexels

The post Is calcium carbonate suitable for shell fish allergic and vegans? first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Oatly lost court case against PureOaty!

Glebe Farm has won its case against Oatly in infringement case.

Phillip and Rebecca Rayner, owners of Glebe Farms and creators of PureOaty oat milk.

I wrote about this last month when I first heard the news that Oatly was suing Glebe Farms, read more here: Shame on you Oatly! And if you’re on LinkedIn, you might be interested to see how much love and support there was for PureOaty in this LinkedIn Post for Shame on you Oatly! It achieved over 33k views, 115 reactions and 136 comments. Oatly did engage on this post, and I can see from the insights that 97 staff from Oatly saw it.

This is the best news I could have received today. The whole Oatly vs Pure Oaty case really upset me. A brand I had loved and trusted turned out to be a bullying, greedy company. I felt cheated and so angry. But good often comes out of a bad situation. I researched the whole situation, discovered some new oat milk that I actually preferred and have also got to know the owners of Glebe Farm who have been around in the gluten free industry for years.

The icing on the cake was hearing that Oatly lost their court battle with Glebe Farms.

Here’s what’s happened:

Oatly loses trademark infringement case against British oat milk producer Glebe Farm Today the judge dismissed all Oatly’s claims of trademark infringement Glebe Farm and its PureOaty product have received huge support from around the world including 130,000 signatures on a change.org petition; and many comments online have described this as a true David and Goliath battle

Phillip Rayner, owner and Managing Director of Glebe Farm explains “It is enormously gratifying that the judge has ruled in our favour, and to see that smaller independent companies can fight back and win.”

It really is gratifying. I agree Philip. I was so worried that Oatly might win so this has restored my faith in our justice system.

Just a quick look at this image shows you how different the PureOaty brand is from Oatly

Thanks to everyone who signed the Change.org petition – it received 130,000 signatures! That’s incredible. Thank you oat lovers!

If you’re interesting in the case and finding out more you can read more here:

Final Oatly JudgementGlebe Farm Win Statement

I am so pleased.

The good guys won.

Just think what the outcome could have been if Oatly instead engaged with Glebe Farms to discuss this before taking them to court. Imagine a world where I had not discovered my favourite brand of oat milk was actually not such a cool friendly brand. I’d still be drinking Oatly! Well I don’t miss Oatly (just a bit, I miss the custard, the cream, the ice cream…) But I am not supporting them now. I will find alternative UK brands who I can trust and believe in to not let me down with bad behaviour!

Now Oatly, go away and make your own oat products and stop messing with our English Oat Farmers, or any other independent oat farmers!

I’m really proud to now be a PureOaty lover.
And proud of our legal system too!

I love PureOaty!

Have you tried PureOaty?

What oat milk do you drink? What other plant milks do you drink?

Are you with me on the oat milk celebrations? Go out and buy some PureOaty today! Available from Holland & Barrett, Coop, Amazon, Booths, It’s not in my local Coop so I’ll be asking them to consider stocking it.

Visit https://www.glebefarmfoods.co.uk/our-products/ to find Stockists and Wholesale links or you can buy online direct from Glebe Farms.

The post Oatly lost court case against PureOaty! first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

We need an Allergy Tsar!

We need an Allergy Tsar in our government to stand up for the growing number of people living with life threatening allergies. The current situation means many are not getting the advice they need and lives are tragically being lost due to lack of understanding , training and awareness.

Allergic disease is increasing in the UK to epidemic levels.

Yet, for far too long, allergy services have become a postcode lottery service in the NHS. It’s time people living with allergic disease had their own champion.

That’s why today Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (NARF) founder Tanya Ednan-Laperouse and Emma Turay – two mothers who lost their teenage daughters to anaphylaxis – have joined together to call for the Government to appoint an Allergy Tsar.

This video of Tanya and Emma talking about their daughters breaks my heart. They share their fears, anxiety and thoughts following losing their daughters. And they discuss what they think needs to happen in order to prevent further avoidable and unnecessary deaths from anaphylaxis.

Do you take antihistamines or not?

One thing Tanya brings up has really got me thinking and also a little concerned because even my book, ‘The Reluctant Allergy Expert – How to Kill the fear that anaphylaxis could kill you’ suggested taking antihistamines.

I always thought this was advisable and recommended by professionals.

I thought it would help to lessen symptoms.

I have ALWAYS taken antihistamines at the first sign of anaphylaxis, except a few occasions when I’d run out. On these occasions I’m not sure the outcome was worse, different at all or better.

I’m also pretty sure that I’ve dodged a serious reaction many many times by taking antihistamines and seeing if that helps. I would only ever do this if my breathing was OK and all I was experiencing was hives and itchy lips.

But this video has made me really rethink and reassess! I will be blogging about this in detail soon and trying to get the advice from medical professionals, because I’m pretty sure everyone is saying the wrong thing.

Find out more about the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation here: https://www.narf.org.uk/

You can read the article in The Daily Mail today, “Food allergies took our darling daughter from us, we must act now before others suffer the same fate say two mother’s united in grief.”

Please support the campaign by signing and sharing the parliamentary petition:

Sign the Allergy Tsar petition now!

There are currently 4,856 signatures so help us get to 10,000.

Thank you for your support.

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on what the Allergy Tsar would do, do we need one? Should we use antihistamines?

The post We need an Allergy Tsar! first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Shampoo for eczema and TSW

I’m using two shampoos at the moment. I switch it up, try different things and also get samples sent to me from brands on Instagram and also through judging for the Free From Skincare Awards so I’m not always that loyal… Sorry! I’ve tested loads of shampoos to find something that is kind to my dry, flaky, sore scalp and also makes my hair shiny and soft. More recently I’m also looking at brands that are good for the environment as I want to reduce my carbon footprint and reduce plastic waste.

I’ve actually written quite a few blogs about shampoos, in my quest to find the best ones which you can read here:

Natural, Non irritant shampoos for dry eczema scalps – I’ve tried quite a few different shampoos and these are a few of my favourites.93 chemicals which cause dermatitis – check your shampoo – Ingredients to look out for if you have sensitive skin!Top 10 irritant and SLS free shampoo for eczema skin – Update! – Even more shampoos to look out for!Rhassoul clay shampoo for eczema scalps – Do it yourself shampoo and conditioner. If you have time this is good fun and does work and is just one ingredient! 10 shampoos for dry scalps and eczema – my first attempt at finding something and it was really hard work! I wouldn’t actually recommend many of these brands now as they are not that great, don’t have a good ingredients list and aren’t very natural but I’ve included it here so you can see the products that are SUPPOSED to be good!

And so we come to the two I’ve decided to use at the moment and an introduction to my current scalp situation!

TSW scalp

For those who don’t know, TSW stands for Topical Steroid Withdrawal. I did use topical steroids on my scalp, mainly Betacap, but not frequently. I did get quite bad skin during TSW on my scalp but this was probably the easiest part of my body to heal. It wasn’t that itchy but it did scab up with huge ugly crusty scabs around the back of my scalp and in the hairline at the front. I’d say my scalp is pretty good now, almost completely healed but i’ve always had a dry scalp and found that certain things can make it worse e.g. certain shampoos, hair drying, winter winds, hair products and treatments, chlorine after swimming etc.

Use gentle, natural, kind products

So when I looked at the skincare products I was using, naturally I examined my shampoo too to ensure I was giving my body the most support and putting it under the least pressure from chemicals and irritants.

Washing hair less…

I have also started to wash my hair less frequently. This also saves my scalp from too much water exposure and unnecessary drying. I’ve probably been washing it twice a week but that might increase now it’s so short and can’t all be swept up in a bun!

So here are my two favourite sensitive scalp shampoos:

Olsson fragrance and colour free shampoo and Kind2 bar shampoo for dry sensitive scalpsOlsson Scandinavian 0% fragrance and colourant shampoo

Approved by Allergy UK, this shampoo is so gentle and lovely to use. It doesn’t irritate my hands and I can even use it in the shower rather than leaning over the bath as I usually do, as some shampoos irritate my body if they come into contact during a shower. It doesn’t dry my scalp out either and leaves my hair shiny and silky soft. I’m really enjoying using it.

Olsson fragrance and colourant free shampoo

If you’d like to try samples of the shampoo and conditioner email me on ruth@whatallergy.com with your address and email address and I’ll get them sent out to you ASAP.

This month (July) you can get 30% off. Use my Promocode WHATALLERGY10 for 10% off and you’ll get a further 20% off any hair styling products. Visit Olsson Haircare here to shop and you also get FREE STANDARD DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £15. If you do spend £15 or over you also get £4 off their new conditioning spray!

Kind2 bar shampoo

In my new quest for products that produce less packaging these little bar shampoos from Kind2 are great. They are soap free, fragrance free and plastic free. They don’t produce a lot of lather but with a little massaging over the scalp you get the feeling you’ve created good coverage of the hair and it works really well.

It’s also tiny, light and will be great for my summer camping trips.

They also do shampoo bars for curly and coloured hair and are working on a conditioning bar so watch out for that.

Kind to you, Kind to me and kind to the planet. Visit Kind2 here. Use my code WHATALLERGY for 15% off!

Other shampoos that I also like include Balmonds (Use promo code WHATALLERGY for 20%), A’Kin and John Masters unscented shampoos.

What do you use? Are you tempted to try these two?

The post Shampoo for eczema and TSW first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

In the Top 10 UK Healthcare Blogs 2021

I’m thrilled to be voted into the Top 10 UK Healthcare blogs again, for the sixth year in a row! Another excuse to celebrate all that I’ve achieved over the last twelve years of blogging. living with life threatening anaphylaxis, allergies, eczema and latterly topical steroid withdrawal. This blog has given me something to focus on, a place to share my journey and document what I’ve learnt. Thank you all for supporting me over the years. It means so much.

Every comment is like a magical treat. I cannot thank you all enough because one of the key measures is engagement and blog activity, site visits and social media sharing. That’s you guys! Thanks for helping me to win this award again.

I’m in good company, here is the lineup of the Top 10 UK Health Blogs:

Special Needs Jungle – Easy to understand resources, articles and information for parents and carers of children with special needs, disabilities and health conditions to better enable them to navigate the special needs system. Evidently Cochrane – Sharing health evidence you can trust. The Mental Elf – No bias, no spin. Sharing mental-health-focused reports and research, features content from experts working in the sector across the globe.Pyshcreg – News and resources from the field of psychology.  Talkhealth Blog – Sharing information and talking about all things health alongside working with charities and experts for the benefit of patients as well as the blog’s many dedicated readers. Same Difference – Representation matters, and Same Difference blogger Sarah Ismail is here to share aspects of disability that often go uncovered, misrepresented or completely ignored in the media.The Hippocratic Post – Founded by Thea Jourdan, Carole Stone and Jane Johnson, the Hippocratic Post is busy ‘blogging on the world’s medical stories’ and, of course, there are many stories happening across the world when it comes to health right now.  Life in Breakdown – The Midlands-based blogger behind Life in a Breakdown, Sarah shares her experiences of mental and physical health issues alongside lifestyle features, providing a safe space for her readers. Me! What Allergy? – the best allergy blog in the world! (biased but I love my blog so much) Be Healthy Now – Petra Kavos, advocates for holistic approaches across the gamut of Natural Health, Healthy Recipes, Healthy Living, Fitness and Natural Beauty.Top 10 UK Healthcare Blogs 2021

What are you favourite blogs? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

The post In the Top 10 UK Healthcare Blogs 2021 first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Eczema and skin poetry workshop, 31 July 2021

This is the fourth Poetry Workshop we have organised, taking place on Saturday 31st July at 3pm, for anyone wanting to explore the written word and poetry as a vehicle to learn, explore feelings and emotions and find release and peace through poetry.

The first workshop was a great success with people joining from all around the world, from America, Germany, Hungary and the UK.

Our tutor Hannah Davies, professional writer and performer, leads the workshop. She also has eczema and is also going through topical steroid withdrawal so has a deep understanding of skin conditions.

2 hour free workshopPrompts and exercises prepared by HannahSafe space to explore your writingNo obligation to read outPoetry for TSW Warriors and eczema people!

Discover the Power of Poetry to heal. It’s therapy!

Taking place on Saturday 31st July at 3pm, this is a free workshop and we will be limiting numbers to ten people to allow better learning and a manageable group.

To find out more visit Words for Warriors

And to reserve your place email ruth@whatallergy.com today.

The post Eczema and skin poetry workshop, 31 July 2021 first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Eating out with allergies after covid!

Let’s be honest, it’s been a while hasn’t it. Since we ate out, since restaurants saw us all, since anything was normal. And over Lockdown I noticed choice for those with allergies reduce dramatically.

For that reason I’m quite nervous, but I have put on my big girl pants and eaten out since Lockdown. I wrote a guest blog for Lindi at The Allergy Table about this. Visit The Allergy Table website to read The How, When, Where, Who, Why, WHAT ALLERGY? for my guide to getting back out there after Covid!

It’s full of tips and advice for people with allergies and those caring for them of the precautions you should take to stay safe. Check, check, and check again and if any meal contains something prebought such as bread, insist on seeing ingredients. Don’t take risks and stay safe!

Places I’ve eaten allergy safe meals after covidPizza Express with my familyThe Ivy House with friendsCoffee at The Kitchen Larder – a planning mission with a meal out planned in futureThe Three OaksThe English Indian – takeaway fish and chips with an Indian TwistPicnic in Hyde Park1). Pizza Express

Always a reliable and safe option. I tend to have the same thing and just pick out the tomatoes as these are not a true allergy for me, just a food that irritates my skin and gut. I know I can trust Pizza Express and one day will try the gluten free and vegan pizza, with some careful planning and no tomato paste!

I always have the Nicoise Salad and gluten free dough balls! Play it safe and stick to what you know!Pizza Express coffee and vegan and gluten free carrot cake! Such a treat not to have fruit salad or sorbet!2). The Ivy House, Chalfont St Giles

This meal was minted lamb with chips. It was a tasty meal but I wasn’t 100% happy with how the staff spoke with me. I had phone before and was told the chef would be able to speak to me to advise what I could have. This never happened despite me chasing. When we arrived the staff weren’t really aware of my allergies and we went over them again, and then the chef did mark up a menu for me so I could select something safe. I was with a group of friends and we had a really lovely evening but staff seemed unsure of the new Covid regulations and were busy and a little off hand with us. I would try to go again and maybe next time manage to speak to someone about the food ahead of time. The meal was very tasty so I’d give it a go. Some of the puddings looked OK but I felt quite full and didn’t want to face another lengthy conversation of Chinese whispers with the kitchen.

3). Kitchen Larder scouting visit

This is my favourite cafe, The Kitchen Larder in Chalfont St Peter and a regular spot for a visit with my Mum. Usually I just have a black coffee. I sometimes have oat milk but they stock Oatly and as any of you will know, I’m not supporting them any more. I hope to persuade The Kitchen Larder to try out some other oat milks. Watch this space!

This lovely cafe also served lunches and caters for gluten free, vegan and allergic customers but so far I’ve not eaten there. I’ve had a few chats with the owner who seems very happy to accommodate me. We’ll see how that goes when she finds out how many allergies I have! That’s one for the future and I look forward to supporting this lovely local business.

I also love the colour of the tables, chairs, mugs and plant pots! #tealforthewin

4). The Three Oaks, Chalfont St Peter

I love this pub and am so grateful that it’s right on my doorstep. Now I always phone and also pop in in person if i can and this visit proves that only using the online booking comments box is not enough. This time I didn’t do my usually due diligence. I was just so exhausted and tired I ran out of time, hence my safe choice of steak, chips and beans.

When we arrived the had no idea someone was coming with an allergy. I plan to speak to them about this as having a booking system should alert staff and kitchen ahead of time. However they always mark up a menu for me and I decided to go for the safest option with my poor prior planning in mind. The beans were served without butter for me and I was assured that the meal was dairy, wheat, soy and nut free. Having not had steak for a long long time I was really pleased to order it anyway and I really enjoyed it. Cooked medium rare, to perfection, it was a great choice.

And if you do go there and have a dairy allergy, ask about the secret dairy free sorbets! I had a scoop of each, chocolate, marmalade and mango.

Secret dairy free sorbets at The Three Oaks – Chocolate, marmalade and mango5). The English Indian, mobile fish and chip van

These are so tasty! This mobile fish and chip van, The English Indian, comes to my village every fortnight and it’s now a regular treat for me. They travel around and deliver fish and chips to other local towns so check out their website (link above) to find out if they are anywhere near you. These are my friends Tim and Vic who joined me to watch the England Semi Final and they didn’t disappoint. A friend (Thanks Becs) told me about these guys because she’d seen that they were gluten free, dairy free and nut free. In fact the only allergen really is the fish. It’s completely safe for me and it’s so lovely to order from a company who understand my need to keep checking. They just keep on confirming each week that yes it’s still safe! The only thing to note is that they also do some halloumi which is cooked in a separate fryer.

Pakora flavoured fish and chips with mushy peas and curry sauce (I left the sauce)6). Free From Allergen friendly picnic in Hyde Park

Thanks to friends Lindi and Julianne a group of us met in London in Hyde Park for a safe picnic. It was such a lovely day out and we all brought our own safe food. Lindi brought her lunch at Chipotle which I’ve never tried before so I should try to check them out.

Free From London Meetup in Hyde Park. The kids look very grumpy but they had a wonderful time, honest!

And so here ends my adventures with eating out after Covid. I’ve also had loads of meals at my Mum’s house, mostly to save money but also because whenever we think to go out it’s always fully booked! Mum and I are planning a visit the The Three Oaks, our little treat each year. It is pricey but we can pretend we are really posh from Chalfont St Peter, put on our best frocks and behave all fancy. Safe in the knowledge that we’ll have a delicious safe meal.

Where have you been out to since lockdown eased? Or are you still being very cautious? If you are nervous, do check out the link above to Lindi’s blog with my guest blog post detailing my advice to ensure you stay safe when eating out.

The post Eating out with allergies after covid! first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Skin picking, dermatillomania, excoriation advice

Now this is a subject very close to my heart, Skin Picking! It’s also known as dermatillomania or excoriation and I think I’ve got it big time. I am terrible for picking. Mainly it’s scabs before they’re healed and skin flakes because there are just so many of them! I can sit for hours picking.

I’ve written about this before in Why do I eat my skin flakes, a particularly honest and grisly blog from a while ago.

I’m not ashamed, I don’t know why I do it and I’m trying really hard not to.

But it’s just not that simple.

I even do it in my sleep! It becomes a mission of cleansing my body of any scabs or adhesions and I can’t stop, it weaves into my dreams and I wake having usually done some damage!

If you want to learn more check out Cara Ward’s blog on Trichollomania, which is hair pulling and vey similar, here.

Cara Ward on Trichollomania and more…

Because I do this too, but now mainly with the hairs on my legs. I compulsively pluck them with tweezers! A thankless task let me tell you.

I was also forwarded an amazing resource today, skinpick.com which has a free survey that you can take to work out if you have a problem or not. Thank you Joanna, I am going to try this. I will keep you all informed how I get on.

Mine came up 55% – Severe Skin Picker! Well I knew it was pretty much all consuming.

I have to keep checking my face with a mirror and tweezers to remove any large flakes. I just can’t help it. Some days I spend far too long doing it and get far too much pleasure from it too.

I also found this amazing US resource Picking Me which is packed with case studies and links that could help you.

And then the more you think about something it’s everywhere! There are loads of skin picking support groups on Instagram with tips to help you stop this habit. Just search skin picking and begin the road to discovery and habit reversal.

Don’t be ashamed. Don’t feel bad. Just start by recognising it’s a habit and that you’d like to change it. Don’t judge yourself. Just sit with for now. Sit with me while we pick a few scabs and skin flakes. We can do hard things! We can do this guys. And if you’ve not listened to Glennon Doyle’s new podcast, We Can Do Hard Things, I highly recommend. It. Is. Brilliant.

Any skin pickers out there?

The post Skin picking, dermatillomania, excoriation advice first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Help fund research for Topical Steroid Withdrawal

This is a REALLY quick blog to share a petition created by my lovely friend Sofia who is also going through topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). There is currently very little real scientific research going on and we need this urgently!

If you don’t know what TSW is, you can dive down a rabbit hole with my other blogs on the subject or read my new and growing TSW FAQ here.

But basically, in a nutshell, it is when the topical steroids prescribed to heal our eczema has created an all body iatrogenic condition which can last for months of years as the skin and body organs heal and begin to do their jobs properly again. It is painful, brutal and mine has lasted 2.5 years and counting.

Doctors to not recognise it is a problem.

Dermatologist do not recognise it is even a thing.

We are all fighting to heal with little or no medical support. This has to change! We need research to discover this happens to some of us and how to prevent it happening in the future.

Click on the button below to sign the petition to help us get funding to research into TSW

Help Fund Research into Topical Steroid Withdrawal

#thisisnoteczema

Please take just a few moments to sign this petition. It would mean so much to me.

Thank you all in advance.

The post Help fund research for Topical Steroid Withdrawal first appeared on What Allergy Blog.