Not Just The Nuts

I couldn't believe it.

When that first itchy patch under my eye appeared Saturday night, I couldn't believe it.  I haven't eaten a peanut, or peanut butter, or anything with peanut oil.  Yet, there it was.  That red spot that announces the coming of a reaction to something.

This couldn't be happening, I thought to myself as I slathered Cetaphil lotion on it.  At that point I could only pray that this was one of the times it remained the one little red spot before fading quickly away. 

Later that night, all hopes were dashed.  The other eye began to itch.  The eye lids began to itch.  My neck started to itch.   By Sunday morning, I was scrambling for the Benedryl before I ripped the skin off my facial structure.

Sunday was a day of antihistamines, ibuprofen, and a mixture of various lotions and creams.  I was in a well-medicated haze.  Pretty much useless. 

Fortunately, this morning the situation seems to have improved some. 

I'm still a little dry, with various itching at times.  And still a little puffy around the eyes.  But at least the redness has faded, and the itching is bearable.

But this still leaves the question - what caused the outbreak this time?  What other thing am I apparently so allergic to that it completely alters my appearance?

Beginning to Get Frustrated

You have got to be kidding me.  Seriously... you. have. got. to. be. freaking. kidding. me. 

It's back.  The stupid, irritating rash around my eyes is BACK!!

And it's starting to tick me off.

When the itching and redness started back up a couple of days ago I thought maybe it was the french fries cooked in peanut oil I had consumed without thinking.  But today instead of getting better - it's even more itchy and even redder.  And I have no clue what could have contributed to it this time around.

All I know is that I have had just about enough!

Face on Fire

I'm not sure how it happened, but I am not happy about it.  I've gotten into something that my body does not agree with.  To be more specific - my face does not agree with whatever-it-is.  So, whatever-it-is has managed to set my face aflame. 

I have an eczema type rash covering much of my face, including my forehead, eyelids, right cheek, and jaw. This absolute loveliness even extends down the right side of my neck.   My eyelids (upper and lower) are swollen and even appear slightly bruised.  Oh yeah, as you can imagine... I'm looking gorgeous.  Not.  I'm like a cross between the elephant man and the losing boxer in a prize fight.



Is there a worse place to develop a red, itchy, swollen rash than the face?  Perhaps... but right now I can't believe that's possible.   Rashes in other places can be hidden by clothing and accessories.  Not this one.  It's right out front and center for the world to see.  And it itches like crazy! 

I'm sure it's the result of some sort of allergic reaction.  I'm not using any new face products or makeup.  I haven't eaten anything unusual or different.  My best guess is something in the garden.  Although I can't quite figure why the rash is only on my face and not my arms or legs.  Quite a mystery there. 

So, after 2 days of being doped up on benedryl, endless layers of Eucerin creme lotion, vitamin E oil, and even an oatmeal bath - I'm off to the Dr this afternoon.  I feel pretty sure there is some Prednisone in my immediate future.  Which I am also not happy about since I know how that particular medication makes me feel.  But that's another story.   Right now I just want the rash gone!