Happy Skin

Since I was a baby, I've had dermatitis. I've gone to several dermatologists but was never really able to get rid of it. Some say it's asthma of the skin and it's not curable. My skin is dryer than normal. During summer or if it's dusty, I'd get this little sores which are very itchy. I would usually (try to) have self control when I'm awake but at night when I'm half asleep I'd be itch-happy and scratch every inch of my skin. Needless to say, I have never worn shorts since I was a kid and had a very low self esteem growing up because I was different. It's a vicious cycle of getting sore, irritated, wounded and watery skin, taking medicines and healing. More than the money spent on the dermatologist trips, my worry was really my skin collecting ugly wound scars. I used to just have scars on my neck and joints but 2 years ago, due to a lot of stress from work, my skin had its worst condition. 

I edited the photos to be in black and white so they'd be less unappealing, but if shown in colored, the redness and puffiness of my skin would be very apparent. My back shone because at that time I was trying putting on virgin coconut oil which, I was told by a nurse friend, had a healing and moisturizing effect. 

There wasn't a part of my skin which did not have gushing wounds. These pictures were taken when I was already "healing" so the sores did not have scabs anymore. 

I was not at work almost once a week because of skin pain. I was taking steroids to heal them and they would, except that they'd come back right after stopping oral medications. Steroids can only be taken in a short period because they are not that healthy, so I'd take them for a week and I had to stop.After 2 months I was forced to be on leave for a week because I couldn't walk anymore. Baths were hard as water felt like alcohol to my skin. My dermatologist gave me Burrow Solution which is supposed to be applied 15 minutes on every wound to dry them. With all the wounds that I had, using both my hands, I only managed to treat each one for 3 minutes and it would take me 2 solid hours to finish. I couldn't sleep at night because of the itch and the pain after I've scratched them. I tried taking in Red Juice, and eating only veggies and fruits, they helped minimize the redness but the sores just won't go away. Seeing my skin in this way brought my confidence to the extreme low. I thought of quitting work and breaking up with my boyfriend of 5 years (now Hubby) because I couldn't let him be with a mess like me. 

I endured this phase for 18 months, often absenting myself from work, visiting the dermatologists almost every week and being on and off Prednisone (the steroid) for a year. I gained weight. I even consulted another dermatologist recommended by a co jeepney passenger. Yes, that's how eye-catching my skin was that even strangers would either give me an are-you-contagious kind of look or would offer help by telling me how themselves or someone they know had the same thing and what they did to cure it. I had sore wounds even on our wedding day! :(

One officemate told me to consult an allergologist for another medical opinion on my condition. I never knew there was an allergy specialist! All I knew was that if it was about skin, you go to a dermatologist and that was what I have been doing for the past n years. Since I was under Maxicare, I looked for one and found Dr. Manuel Canlas and immediately consulted him. 

He's a pretty popular doctor as Hubby and I  had to go back after not making it on their waiting list (capacity  - 60 people only). When we finally made it to the cut-off, we had to wait for 5 hours ( I slept on the bench outside the clinic to pass time) to be attended. I was checked for allergies via skin test where they prick your skin 60 times for 60 allergens, wait for 20 minutes and see what allergen made your skin a bit sore. 

Above is the result of my skin test. For years I struggled with the urge of eating seafoods and chicken because I was told I was allergic to them, so it was a great relief to see that my major allergens were dust and dust mites. Dr. Canlas offered two choices - 1. I take oral and topical medications when my skin is irritated and showing signs of starting wounds. This one would be a lifetime thing tho because as long as you are exposed to the allergens you're sensitive to, you will definitely get a reaction. 2. desensitization where you have a 70% chance of totally getting rid of your allergy.

I chose the 2nd one of course :) It's a process of injecting  you a dosage of your allergen every week and you taking oral and topical medications until the dosage gets higher, your visits get more seldom and you rely only on your immune system fighting allergic reactions. This method usually takes 4 months to a year depending on how serious your condition is. I'm almost on my 12th month and I'm very happy to say that ever since I've been taking shots I never had bad reactions, only the occasional mosquito-looking-bite wounds when it's really hot or dusty. 

No more pus. No more gushing wounds.Now I eat anything I want, I just couldn't sweep the house,the bed sheets and pillow cases need changing every week and the bed needs spraying of anti dust mites every 2 weeks :) 

Thank you Ally for recommending an allergologist. 

Thank you Dr.Canlas for being patient with me. 

Above all, thank you Lord. You didn't forget me and heard my cries. Healing has finally arrived. :)