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Got my allergy results, and it's not what I thought
I had gone for allergy testing for a supposed reaction to gold. Anytime I wore my gold rings, I'd end up with a severe rash on my fingers. I started to coat the inside with clear nailpolish, and that helped until the polish wore off. Then I'd reapply and be fine again, but I was limiting my ring wearing to just one or two days a week.
The gold didn't react to the patch tests enough for them to call it a true allergy. If anything, it is an irritant for me. But, I did show up positive for nickel (so all my cheap jewelry is now a no go, since it isn't nickel-free).
The biggest surprise for me was finding out that I'm allergic to three very common ingredients in personal care and household products. Propylene Glycol (a moisturizer, solvent, etc.), coconut derived ingredients like Cocamidopropyl Betain (used as a mild sudsing agent, emulsifier, and anti-static agent), and Propylis (the beeglue that is in beeswax). My shampoos, conditioners, mouthwashes, face cleansers, deodorant, kids' bath products, hand soap, hand sanitizers, etc. all contain either P.G. or coconut derivatives. Even most of the organic or natural products contain coconut something-or-other in them. I'm trying to look at each item I was routinely using, and find a replacement that won't cause me to itch like crazy like I have been for the past who knows how many years.
Also allergic to two synthetic fabric dyes. So, the best way to avoid that is to stick with 100% natural fibers. My years as a gymnast and then a lifeguard, living in spandex leotards and bathing suits sensitized me to these dyes. I wondered why I was always a bit more itchy by the end of the day when I wore syntehtics. I tell you, it's fun trying to find a bathing suit for this year! I'm hoping that a fully-lined suit will be fine.
At least I now know though. I can't believe how long I just lived in a perpetual itchy state, without having a clue as to what was causing it.
Re: Got my allergy results, and it's not what I thought
That's weird! I guess the mystery of why you can't wear your rings continues...
Are you allergic to coconut itself, too? Or just the byproducts? I bet it will be a challenge to find replacements for all of those things! You'll have to post product reviews of the stuff you find.
It's also making me wonder if I should have allergy testing done. My skin is always always always itchy. I'll have to pay attention and try to figure out if it's worse when I'm wearing certain clothes.
As I come up with alternatives, I'll let you know what I think of them. I am completely avoiding coconut now, since I have such an extreme reaction to topical use. I may ask to be tested for coconut as a food allergy, but for now it's better to not chance it.