Ok bear with me, I've never written a blog before... There's a first time for everything! Right? :)
So where do I start? I have been allergic to Balsam of Peru for nearly 7 years since its sudden development at the age of 15. Whilst struggling through the first 4 years using strong steroid creams every day, yet still with terrible eczema (on face, hands, etc), I remember trawling the internet for some stories and real-life experience, but there was even less information on the allergy then than there is now!
I was avoiding all fragranced creams, soaps, everything, but had sneakily pushed the lists of foods that should be avoided to the back of a draw... It just didn't make any sense - I thought if I just didn't touch the food I was eating with my lips or my hands I would be fine. After those 4 years I realised that I should probably rethink my strategy!
So over the last 3 years I embarked on the long and difficult journey of trial, error and major elimination. For those that do not have a similar allergy, this may sound relatively easy but trust me - it isn't! I can tell you that it was totally worth it, life is genuinely so much better! I use a mild steroid cream once a month maximum, and that is only when I purposefully give myself a day off. My skin is practically perfect - if I do say so myself :) and I really am a lot happier.
It would've been great to have people with the same allergy to discuss with along the way, but the odd comments I remember finding were dotted around a couple of forums, dated a few years back and pretty inconclusive. In a world where allergies are becoming ever more common, I suddenly realised that there are plenty of people now discovering their allergies and in the same position as I was a few years back. So why not start a place where people can come to share their stories, ask for advice, and just read posts that may give new ideas?
I have no idea how it'll pan out so we'll see how it goes...
