I went to the dermatologist yesterday. It all started several years ago when I developed an itching that wouldn’t quit and left me with some spots that left me with some questions. Not the “is this cancer?” type of question, but what exactly is it that is causing me to suddenly itch like this? I had some pretty good spots on my back as a result. A trip to a dermatologist showed the spots were not cancer but were actually dermatitis. Contact dermatitis to be exact. That simply means that I was suddenly allergic to certain chemicals used in detergents, cleaning agents, paper products (like toilet paper), and the biggest one of all: body wash. I had been using body wash for years and suddenly it was the culprit. There was a certain ingredient almost all body washes contain that was particularly deadly to me…get ready for it… Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Yeah…I know. I can’t even say it let alone spell it. All I know is that I had to start looking at every body wash on the planet and if it had that ingredient in it, I had to avoid it. Guess it is back to bar soap. š Fortunately, I found some soap by companies (Everyman Jack, Dr. Squatch, and others) that smell good. In fact, I like them a lot. But I had to watch what products I used. But here is something funny. It is a good thing I am planning on being cremated. Why you ask? Because I am allergic to Formaldehyde. Is that not hilarious?Ā Anyway, there are tons of chemicals I cannot even begin to pronounce in that list. Yay me! š
All that to say is that it actually turned out for my good. I had to change dermatologist due to the other moving away, and this one I have been going to for the past 3-4 years or so has been treating me for spots on my head and face which were suspicious. She has also told me I need to wear a hat in the sun. I hate wearing hats except when I played or umpired baseball!!! I know there are some oddballs whom I think sleep in their hats, but whose judging? šĀ I got a good report yesterday. She said, “I looked good.” I wanted to be snarky and say, “I know” but I knew she was referring to my head and face. In fact, she did a full-body check and except for a small dermatitis rash, she said I looked good. Again… šĀ š
Proverbs 3:11-13 says, “My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” (NLT) Dr. Chen is obviously not my father, but I’m glad she takes her job seriously. Skin cancer is not something I want to experience. Sometimes you take the pain and inconvenience for the future look.Ā
I hear you about developing allergies later in life, Bill, especially when so many of the “healthy” products we use are anything but that. Danny’s son, Nicco, found out he can’t use certain soaps or he, too, will develop itch and rash. And skin cancer is nothing to take lightly. Praying that God will watch over you in all things, my friend. Blessings!
Thanks Martha. I have pretty much got both under control thanks to God and the medical professionals I go to.
I grew up in New Orleans, where the humidity is about the consistency of a heavy stew. I never had allergies. We lived in Houston for five years, with New Orleans humidity and an overlay of air pollution. No allergies. We moved to St. Louis, and Pow! Allergies! A test showed the culprits were dust and pollen, with a side dish of mold. Apparently, it’s more than common here, because of wind patterns and Midwest agriculture.
I have heard that same type of thing from others Glynn. Fortunately, I did not inherit my mother’s hay fever or dust allergy. I know mine can be controlled by making sure of exposure being limited. Jo’s allergies have kicked up since COVID.
It never makes sense to me that you have ate or used something all your life and now all of the sudden because you are older, you can no longer have it or use it. I told one of my doctors if he said one more time at your age, you have to expect these changes, I was going to knock him out. He laughed because he thought I was kidding. God suggested to me to go read book of James.
That makes me laugh Gail and you ought to know at your age it is not nice to make old men laugh until they cough. š James sounds like a good remedy.
yeah every seems to go south as we get older. Good to know Chen got it. Because of my excessive weight I have itchy parts myself that are not fun! Good to know we have a great Physician!!
Iām glad i found Dr Chen. Good to hear from you Ed.