New Project

I have decided to tackle another skin-related issue...spider veins.  I started developing spider veins around age 18.  I also started taking birth control then and found out just a year ago that birth control pills can cause spider veins.  Between that and 2 pregnancies my legs look like a road map.  I can't afford laser treatment so I did research on a natural treatment.  I found a whole list of herbal supplements and ideas but the one that was most touted by all sources was the external application of vitamin K.  Now I am looking for a vitamin K cream to try. So many choices and all of them have both great reviews and horrible reviews.  So hard to choose!  I guess I'll keep researching until I find one that looks reasonably promising.  If anyone knows firsthand of a good one, please let me know!  Once I start using something I will post a "before" picture and post "progress" pictures so if anyone is interested they can see the results (or lack thereof) themselves.  I just want to wear skirts and shorts without being embarrassed by my legs--I'm too young to have granny legs!

The Setback Continues...

Well, my skin issues are still flaring.  The little bumps I've always battled are back with a vengeance--arms, legs, and tummy.  My scalp has calmed a bit but is not where I was pre-virus and my eczema is getting annoying.  My face has broken out a bit, but a normal person breakout and not an OMG breakout. 

I also have a bonus issue--random large, painful, pimple-like eruptions.  I get them occasionally and they can pop up anywhere on my body.  They don't last long but they hurt like hell and they pop up like mushrooms.  Since they don't show up very often I've never figured out a pattern or a trigger.  I suppose it could be stress-related.  If anyone else gets these and has a theory I'm happy for suggestions.  Ugh.  I just need a skin transplant.

As far as my face goes, I think I'm going to try to get in for a facial.  The last time I went my skin improved a lot and the lady who did it suggested having facials regularly for maintenance.  Since her last advice and facial were so helpful she's probably right about maintenance facials, too.  It's expensive but I guess it's worth the money to have confidence in my face.  And clear skin means spending less on makeup, too! : )

I did make a boo-boo on my dairy-free diet, though.  Last friday I led a field trip to Cici's Pizza.  I held out until the end but finally caved and devoured a slice of pizza.  It was so good!  But my stomach has been upset with me for days.  Really, really angry, in fact.  So it seems that a little bit of milk cooked into a baked good every now and then I can handle, but cheese is my nemesis.  Why are all the yummiest foods made with milk?!  Let this stand as a reminder, Allison--DO NOT EAT CHEESE!  The consequences are not worth those few moments of heaven.

Break out the soapbox!

A situation was brought to my attention recently that has brought up a couple of things I'd like to talk about.  The situation involves an infant with a skin rash whose mother has been alternately dismissed and degraded by various pediatricians.  After much determination she is on the road to answers but still a ways from a solution.  Her experiences are what have induced me to drag out my soapbox. 

Please, please, please be an advocate for your health and the health of your children!  It's easy to fall into the trap of believing your doctor knows all but that can be dangerous.  Do your own research, ask questions, and don't agree to anything that makes you uncomfortable deep down.  A good doctor (of any variety) will listen to you and your concerns, not talk down to you and berate you if you question their advice.  And keep in mind their counsel is just that--advice.  If what a doctor tells you doesn't make sense then ask why he or she thinks that way.  I have been to doctors who tell me I have a virus and then hand me a prescription for antibiotics.  When I ask why (since antibiotics do nothing for viruses and can have harmful consequences) if they can't give me a reasonable explanation or if they get upset about it, I know to not take the medicine and start looking for a different doctor.  I have been to great doctors who listen to me and include me in the diagnosing process--have had conversations that are 2 way rather than a one-sided lecture--and that is a magnificent thing.  I don't like the patronizing and sugar-coating of many doctors.  There are so many resources out there to help you become an informed patient--use them!  : )  There's nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. 

Ok, stepping down from my soapbox now.  : )

The other thing I wanted to mention is some all-natural remedies that I learned about from a wonderfully knowlegdgeable employee at a local Whole Foods market.  Based on anecdotal evidence from customers and her own knowledge of homeopathic remedies, she recommended several products for kids with eczema or other skin problems.

B&T Florasone Cream: it's basically a homeopathic version of hydrocortisone cream but without the cortisone.  She said a bunch of parents swear by it.

Dead sea salts: they are great in a bath to help soothe and heal irritated skin

Calendula oil: there is a variety in a base of olive oil that is particularly moisturizing and soothing

Barlean's Omega Twin: I've recommended the Essential Woman variety but the Omega Twin has borage oil instead of Evening Primrose so it is not female specific.  She said borage oil is fabulous for eczema sufferers

Probiotics: since the skin is our first line of defense these can help boost the immune system and provide some relief and back up for our over-worked organ

***She also recommended tossing the Aquaphor that most of us parents have come to rely on for any skin irritation we see on a baby.  It is petroleum based and that is bad for the skin.  I know firsthand that petroleum-based products can be addictive (I had a vicious Lip Smackers addiction for years) but she pointed out that the Aquaphor is a great protectant but it doesn't let the skin breathe, therefore it cannot heal.  That certainly gave me something to think about!

So, for what it's worth, there is my 50 cents for the day.  ; )

Stomach virus = skin problems

Well, if there was any doubt in my mind that my skin is tied to my digestive system it is now gone.  I had a horrible stomach bug last weekend and was unable to take any of my supplements/vitamins.  I also basically didn't eat for 3 days.  My skin all over is a mess--not a bad one but a mess nonetheless.  The itching on my scalp reached epic proportions and I've got bumps everywhere and a breakout on my face.  It could definitely be worse but it shows the importance of what I eat. 

I have found that my scalp itches worse when my calcium drops. As soon as I could hold down food I started my calcium supplements back and the itching improved drastically.  I guess losing all the nutrients in my body while sick set me back.  More than ever, though, this shows me that it's more important what goes in my body than what I put on it.  All the scalp-soothing shampoo in the world wouldn't help until I started replenishing my nutrients internally. 

I have also noticed that my face has been much oilier since my illness.  My best guess is that I haven't yet recovered from the dehydration.  The oil supplement on it's own doesn't seem to be enough.  I am making a greater effort to hydrate myself in the hopes that it will make a difference.  Hmm...that's an interesting theory.  I had never noticed before but it would be interesting to note if my skin seems oilier whenever I don't drink enough water.  It makes since that a dehydrated system would lead to dry skin so I suppose that's why the experts say drinking lots of water is good for your skin.  I could never figure out that connection. 

Well, I'm off to get a bottle of water...

2 Things I learned over the weekend

1. I started having a lot of muscle pain last week so I googled calcium deficiency symptoms and, sure enough, there it was.  That's one of the down sides to eating dairy free.  One of the other symptoms was flaky skin so I wonder if that helps explain my scalp flaring up.  After taking my calcium supplements for a couple of days the muscle pain went away.  So I guess I just learned the hard way how important calcium is!  For anyone who is doing dairy-free and doesn't know, a nutritionist told me to take 600mg of calcium twice a day, but not with a multi-vitamin or anything containing iron or zinc, since they reduce the absorption of the calcium.

2. A friend of mine with a new baby told me about a remedy she read about somewhere for baby rashes.  It said to put breastmilk on the rash instead of a lotion or cream.  My friend did that with her daughter and saw dramatic change overnight!  What a simple and safe way to help baby's skin!

Photo time! Then and now...

Here they are:

 February                                                                                   May

Now, I'm the first to admit that my skin is far from perfect, but the difference is incredible.  No more painful cystic welts, even during pms.  The areas of redness are fading continually and breakouts are so few and so minor they're not a big deal at all.

I had an acquaintance stop and tell me the other day how amazing the progress has been.  She asked what I'm doing, convinced I've been using Proactiv or some such system.  She was schocked that I've conquered my skin issues without using any of the standard acne products. 

I also need to give a shout out to my husband.  He has been so supportive and so encouraging throughout this journey!  He tells me almost daily how clear my skin is looking and how great it is that I've worked this out despite medical wisdom telling me otherwise.  He was there for me when I was ashamed of my reflection and in pain for that I am grateful. 

As scary as it is to post such embarrassing evidence of my skin issues, if this helps even one person find the road to relief then it's worth it.