Allergies - driving me nuts

[firenze11]

So I finally went to see my doctor about allergies and she quickly got me into a specialist. My appointment to see her was on Wednesday but the weather was so bad here with wind and blowing snow I had to cancel. So now my appointment is Monday, which is really great. The only problem is I can't take my antihistamine because I can't have any in my system for the scratch test Monday.

I was ok for a couple of days, I'm guessing the antihistamine was still in my system. Now, I'm just miserable with all the regular allergies annoyances. I'm doing what I can about itchy eyes and congestion. But the skin is going nuts.

I'm thinking of going to get some Aveeno body wash w/ oatmeal in it and maybe some aloe I can slather all over. Do you know of anything soothing for itchy, rash-y, annoying skin that can be used pretty much all over?

I cannot wait until Monday! At least I'll get an idea of what's causing all of this madness. Thanks!

[rocknrollgirl]

My DH just went through the same thing. I hope you get some relief this w/e.
Feel better.

[teigyr]

Aveeno has lotion that is really great. Also, hydrocortisone can help. When I've had reactions to things (get skin reactions periodically) where I get these horrible itchy hives, both of those things have helped relieve them a bit. It's not perfect...but it'll help get you to your appt without too much insanity

[OakLeaf]

Don't use cortisone before your testing.

I know, those 2 weeks can be miserable for me, too, if I schedule my re-testing for the wrong season or if there's an unexpected pollen or mold spike. The good news is that allergy shots (plus learning to manage my food allergies) improved my quality of life just unbelievably. Hope you get results as good or better than mine!

[kat_h]

The only lotion I ever use now is unscented Lubriderm. It was recommended to me by my tattooist because it doesn't cause rashes on sensitive skin and helps cool the itching.

[sah]

try using a saline solution to rinse your sinuses.. it really helps. Also a steamy wash cloth on the sinus for short term relief.

[FelesRidet]

Something that worked for us: my husband's allergies to dust & pollen went away when he quit drinking milk. (itchy eyes, congestion)

I was having other problems (fatigue, immune system, bellyache) which went away when I quit wheat and dairy. (It was hard.) My skin problems are much better when I take safflower oil (on a spoon!) , flax & primrose oil.

While you wait, I would up your vitamin C, eat more fresh fruits & veggies, drink lots. (not beer, either...)

I know this is more long term help, than immediate, sorry!
Hang in there!
nancy

[firenze11]

Thanks everyone.

I ended up getting some aveeno wash and found some uremol cream that kinda seems to help a little. I think when I run out of regular body lotion I'll have to try the Lubriderm, it sounds like just what I need. I tried to use my neti pot today but I think I was just too congested to get much of anything through there, even after I blew my nose.

Thanks for the heads-up on the cortisone Oak, I was going to put some on my eczema patches.

Today I'm going to throw some oatmeal in the foot of an old pair of nylons and take a good old fashioned oatmeal bath. That always seemed to help me when I was a kid.

Only 52 hours to go!

[kat_h]

I just noticed you're in Canada too. If you decide to try lubriderm print off the coupon from http://livingwell.ca/english/print_l...rm_coupon.asp? and save $2.

[firenze11]

I just noticed you're in Canada too. If you decide to try lubriderm print off the coupon from http://livingwell.ca/english/print_l...rm_coupon.asp? and save $2.

Thanks a bunch Kat! I'll print that off and go get some the next time I'm out. $2 off is a pretty good deal.

[firenze11]

I had my appt. yesterday. She only tested me for environmental allergies right now. I was allergic to everything a little except for one, I can't remember which , though. I'm also very allergic to cats and mold. It was kinda fun watching the reactions develop.

I also found out the dark circles under my eyes are called allergic shiners and I've basically been congested for a long long time thinking it was just normal. So I'm going out today to get my nasonex and some antihistamine eye drops to nip both of those problems in the bud.

I'm worried about my skin problems though. I broke out in a rash last night on my foot and arms. But I'll keep an eye on it and I see her in a month.

OH! I asked her about the best moisturizer for my skin. She said Lubriderm. Good thing I printed that coupon out yesterday and got some one the way home!

All in all, it was a good day. Thanks again for helping me keep sane over the weekend with you suggestions.

[tc1]

Glad you are feeling better. For temp relief of your itchies, try as hot a bath as you can stand. Throw a couple black tea bags in with you. And throw away any laundry soap that is heavily scented, or enzymatic. Liquid is best because it rinses best. I find I even have a reaction to the glue in some shoes! So try your old shoes for now.

[tulip]

+1 on the detergent. I use Arm and Hammer for sensitive skin, and it's made a big difference. I've also heard good things about the 7th generation and more natural products, but i haven't tried them yet since the A&H works for me (and costs alot less).

[kat_h]

+1 on laundry detergents. I use Nellie's Laundry Soda now. The Bay carries it here. I don't know if they have it everywhere though.