This year I’m not going to set any resolutions. In previous years I’ve written about this, and why I think New Year’s Resolutions are Bollox. However, if you’re like me, you do like a list, and that inner desire to keep on learning, developing, letting go of what no longer serves you and generally living a better life. What I don’t like a resolutions is that they’re so final, measurable and just plain hard. I often feel despondent and like I’ve let myself down when I can’t reach the lofty goals I set. Hard resolutions for your skin and allergies When you set resolutions like this you are almos ..read more

On the first day of Christmas TSW gave me to me a spreading and worsening rash. On the second day of Christmas TSW gave to me two raw sleeves, and a spreading and worsening rash. On the third day of Christmas TSW gave me to me three days of itching, two raw sleeves, and a spreading and worsening rash. On the fourth day of Christmas TSW gave to me four hours sleep three days itching two raw sleeves, and a spreading and worsening rash. On the fifth day of Christmas TSW gave to me five open wounds four hours sleep three days itching two raw sleeves, and a spreading and worsening rash. On the si ..read more

I heard someone say this last week and it really struck deep. It was a podcast conversation with a mother discussing her child’s ‘ugly eczema’ and it made me feel so judged, triggered and challenged. Now I don’t want to get into blaming this mother, I love her podcast and think she’s talented, funny and a very kind person. So I’m not even going to tell you who it was. But I wanted to challenge this knee jerk way we have as a nation of seeing things as ugly whey the don’t look so perfect and healthy. Because it made me realise I do think my eczema is ugly. It hurt so badly because deep down I a ..read more

Getting your hair cut when your skin is challenging, both on your face, neck and scalp is one of the hardest things to navigate. It can mean sometimes people go years without having a haircut. There are so many reasons why this is so hard. This blog looks at the reasons why and what you can do to stay safe and avoid a skin flare. 10 reasons I find getting my hair cut challenging Fragrance – Being allergic or sensitive to perfumes can make hair salons a triggering place and many people say they flare after just walking into one. Bear this in mind if you are planning a hair cut. Everything from ..read more

This is a very quick plea for a dermatologist to work with a the brilliant natural skin care brand Balmonds. This is a paid project, so please pass this on to any dermatologists you know who you think might be interested. Qualification criteria They are looking for a dermatologist with over five years experience in clinical practise with experience in the field of dermatology who would feel confident to read over the application for the medical device licence and sign if they’re happy with it! Check out the Clinical Evaluator Requirements below: Clinical-Evaluator-RequirementsDownload Get paid ..read more

Those of you who follow What Allergy regularly may have seen a previous blog about soft, comfy non-wired bras; I went down a rabbit hole of research and discovered loads of options. Check out “Wireless comfy soft bras for sensitive skin” for the full run down of kinder bras for those sensitive types out there. But first, a rant about boobs and bras! Your boobs are the least interesting thing about you Before we get to the great bras, let’s look at the thought processes that got me to the point of finally finding joyful comfortable bras. I realise this is a step away from my usual blog posts bu ..read more

If you have sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis or topical steroid withdrawal it’s likely you’ve tried a hundred different products with little success. Many skin care brands can cause irritation to allergy prone skin so you need to be careful, always check ingredients and ALWAYS patch test before using. What is skin care testing? Not to be confused with allergy patch testing, you can test any skincare products safely in your own home. It’s so easy to do, and is advisable when trying any new skincare product. Never slather anything on without testing. If you plan to have a tattoo or get your hai ..read more

In June this year I joined Lucy from Balmonds Skincare at ITN studies to take part in a video with the British Skin Foundation called Skin: Below the Surface, hosted by Louise Minchin. You can watch the Balmonds clip here: The short film explores the importance of having choice in your own skin care, agency to follow a natural healing path, representation of different skin types, colours and conditions and the mental health challenges. To watch the whole film visit The British Skin Foundation Website. Why choice and agency matters in eczema skin care 1. Choice matters: giving those living wit ..read more

Going through topical steroid withdrawal these past few years has taught me so much. It’s been very hard to go out into the world with a face that doesn’t look like anyone else. It’s shocking and dramatic and I don’t blame people for noticing but I do hate it when people feel they have a right to my story. If you’ve ever said something and wished you could retract it, hit the rewind button and take it all back, here’s some advice that could help. I’m talking to you and to anyone who has looked at a friend or a stranger and seen their pain and suffering and decided to share a suggestion or enq ..read more

This month Whatallergy.com was listed as one of the Top Ten Eczema Blogs by Feedspot. Another fantastic opportunity to celebrate excellent bloggig! If you have eczema there are some other great eczema blogs to follow; let’s share some eczema love. Blogging can be a thankless task, and it’s so hard to get comments on blogs these days. Feedback, reviews and comments on your blog are so precious. Tell a blogger they’re great today and thanks to everyone who has supported my blog over the years. Who are Feedspot? If you’ve never heard of Feedspot before, they hold a huge Blogger Database. Compan ..read more