When we are out in the world with our allergies and eczema
there are a lot of people that don’t understand or do not know what we all have
to deal with on a daily basis. So here are a few things that I think we all
wish the general public would understand about allergies and eczema.
We are not “making it up” I have
heard it a lot that I am making my allergies or eczema up, that I can eat dairy
and my other allergens, I just want to be difficult. Or that my eczema is ‘not
a real disease’. The fact is that allergies and eczema are real! And we all
know this because we deal with it all the time!
Eating what we are allergic to is
not going to cure us! Desensitization is a valid and real way that some people
can treat their allergies, but it doesn’t work for everyone and it has to be
monitored carefully by doctors in terms of amounts. So we can’t just eat a nut
and be magically cured from our nut allergy!
Yes we really do need to check
the ingredients for EVERYTHING! Even simple things like bread can contain dairy
and egg. For example: my sister is lactose intolerant and I am allergic to
dairy. We had some bread in the freezer which luckily I checked before popping
in the toaster because it contained milk! Allergens can hide in so many things
that you wouldn’t expect and when I have been out sometimes I have heard “Do
you really need to check that?” Yes, yes I do.
The 10 minute conversation we
have with the waiter/waitress/chef is important. When eating out, it is super
important for allergy sufferers to talk about what is in a dish, preventing
cross contamination and ensuring a safe and fun meal out. I have had people say
before: You held up the waiter and chef because you are selfish! No, I spoke to
them because I need them to understand how serious my allergy is.
Whilst we really appreciate the
effort you take to try and understand, sometimes we don’t want to hear about
every new ‘cure’ you have heard about. Eating cabbage, painting your room red,
walking in dirt, not using steroids, using a particular cream, eating a
particular food etc. I’m sure we have heard it all! I totally love hearing
about new things, but sometimes they just baffle me! Not every treatment is for
everyone and the underlying cause can be different for everyone as well.
Is there anything I missed on
this list? What other things do you want everyone to know/understand about
allergies and eczema? Look out for ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK DAY THREE tomorrow!
Have a lovely day J
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