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Dermatology Visits…

The dermatologist started off by giving me a cortisol shot. He was confident that would put a stop to my dry, bleeding hands. I was told to return in 6 weeks to get another shot. After 4 days, I had to call the dermatologist office and make a follow up appointment. My hands became stiff, I could not bend them without breaking my skin and bleeding from the knuckles.

During my second appointment, I was told I needed a T.R.U.E patch test. The T.R.U.E patch test is an allergy test that is put on the back and read after a minimum of 48 hours. This test contains 36 of the most common allergens in our daily lives.

About 48 hours later, I returned to the dermatologist. The patch test was removed and the Dermatologist analyzed the reactions. I tested positive to Colophony and Disperse Blue 106 (dark blue textile dye). According to the dermatologist, my reaction to colophony was the strongest reaction to that substance he had ever seen. He noted din my chart that I am highly, highly, highly allergic to colophony.

I was relieved to find out the cause of my health issues but concerned about my prognostic since the doctor said that he could not treat my allergies. My mom and I wasted no time and began researching on our own. The different foods, spices, health and beauty products, medicines, cleaning products, and everyday items that contain or are processed with colophony caught us off guard. No wonder my own environment had a negative effect on me.