OMG! I am allergic to my own hair!

indigodiva

Well-Known Member
...Ok, I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but such has been the case for me. Sort of..

Ladies, I have been through quite an ordeal this summer, including facial swelling, debiliating hives, not being able to walk, constant fatigue, and hospitalization due to my lip swelling up to the size of texas...i'd post a pic but I dont wanna scare anyone.

the only thing that has given me relief from 3 months of hell was the realization that I have to wash my hair EVERYDAY. Today I read an article in the August Essence that confirms my suspicions: Allergens in the air more prevalent in the summer time can settle in the hair and skin and wreak havoc on your immune system.

I really thought I was going crazy. My symptoms would always get worse after lunch, so I thought I had food allergies. And these were severe symptoms, like itching all over, big red splotchy hives, and my lips were swelling...at night I would shower and take benedryl but I would wake up looking like quasimodo! Lumps on on my forhead, eyes swollen. Then I thought it was bed bugs, so I bought a whole brand new bed.

All the doctors wanted to do was give me drugs and shots, but they didnt know what was wrong. I even went to an allergist who told me to just keep taking beneadryl round the clock until it goes away...:ohwell:..never mind the fact that it would but me in fog and make me feel worse, huh Doc?

It took months to make the connection that I would find relief only when I washed my hair. I co-washed every other day, so it was hard to see the pattern at first. Its still a daily battle, but I've learned to manage.

The pollen count or something must be high Atlanta (and even worse in the city i work in)- When I went home to New Orleans, I didn't have hardly any allergy symptoms, and that fact alone has me considering re-location.

A bit long winded, but maybe this post will help some else who maybe experiencing weird allergies this summer!
 

empressri

Well-Known Member
the pollen count is terrible this year. i suggest using a neti pot everyday too. i used mine in the morning and after coming in from work. you dont realize all of the crap you breathe in.
 

classychic1908

Well-Known Member
What do you wash your hair and skin with? What about leave ins and moisturizers? What do you wash your bedding and clothing with?

My children have allergies so I understand how difficult coping with them can be.

I hope you find the answers to what's causing your symptoms.
 

CA*Nappy

Well-Known Member
My lips were swelling up too like Professor Klumps in the last 9 mths or more too! I thought it was all the hair potions I was mixing up. Some of the potions got in my eyes twice and had them like jello. I was on steriods because the benadryl did nothing. But I notice in the last week using a non paraben facial wash and moisturizer my skin has gotten clearer. Also the doctor changed my generic medication. So still don't know why my lips are swelling up.
 

Nasdaq_Diva

Well-Known Member
Sorry to hear about your ordeal OP. I suggest you check in the "natural living" forum. Read up on nettle tea, and neti pots. They work great!
 

Krymsonkween

New Member
OP thanks you thank you thank you! I have been going to the dr for the last 2years and to a allergen specialist that told me they could not find out why I broke out with lips, eyes swellen and severe itching. I itch so bad sometimes I feel like I am going crazy.

I have cried because I can not stop itching, and I am about to cry today. My neck today has a itchy rash the size of a golf ball and it tichies constantly. I never stop itching even when I am alseep.

My breathing is labored no matter what I do, but it is not like asthma labored, but they say I have asthma. My legs break out in hives along with my arms and my face has a rash on the right side that I can get ride of.

I use natural soaps (dr, bronners with tar in it) I do not change anything and I am very careful of what I eat as they Dr. said this may also be my problem.

I will try to wash my hair everyday and I also have to change sheets every other day and wash clothes.

It sounds bad but I have learned to live with it and sometimes feel like the dr. think I am crazy but I do not give a darn!!!!!!!! I am on allergy meds day and night and a med for my adult acne which is what the dr says is on my face.

Thanks OP sorry so long!:grin:
 

ms.blue

Well-Known Member
Thank you for posting this indigodiva.

Washing your hands also helps. The derm told me washing my hand every time before I touch my face will help w/ the irritation on my face. This has made me a handwashing freak but I noticed a big improvement facially wise. I also can't have my hair on my face b/c it irritates my cheeks & sides. I also co-wash my hair more. It's amazing what your hair & hands hold that csn cause allergic reactions.
 

empressri

Well-Known Member
ladies! if you can swing it, an air purifier helps too. mine got so bad one year i had to use albuterol. i kept my windows closed and the purifier ON. air conditioner on too in the summer. i never open my windows.
 

getta

New Member
What soaps are you washing your clothes and sheets with? That might be the cause. What foods are you eating? Are you eating nuts around lunch? Do you wear costume jewelry that might make you itch?
 

Krymsonkween

New Member
ladies! if you can swing it, an air purifier helps too. mine got so bad one year i had to use albuterol. i kept my windows closed and the purifier ON. air conditioner on too in the summer. i never open my windows.


Thanks I will look into a purifier I am also going to remove my carpet in all my rooms and put wood flooring down.

I want to open my windows so bad but oh well. Glad to know I am not crazy!:grin:
 

empressri

Well-Known Member
they say carpet is bad but my allergies got worse when we moved...and we have hard wood floors here!!! so i dont know.

keep those windows shut!!!!!!! tighter than you lock up your hair stash :grin:
 

1QTPie

Elder Sim
...Ok, I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but such has been the case for me. Sort of..

Ladies, I have been through quite an ordeal this summer, including facial swelling, debiliating hives, not being able to walk, constant fatigue, and hospitalization due to my lip swelling up to the size of texas...i'd post a pic but I dont wanna scare anyone.

the only thing that has given me relief from 3 months of hell was the realization that I have to wash my hair EVERYDAY. Today I read an article in the August Essence that confirms my suspicions: Allergens in the air more prevalent in the summer time can settle in the hair and skin and wreak havoc on your immune system.

I really thought I was going crazy. My symptoms would always get worse after lunch, so I thought I had food allergies. And these were severe symptoms, like itching all over, big red splotchy hives, and my lips were swelling...at night I would shower and take benedryl but I would wake up looking like quasimodo! Lumps on on my forhead, eyes swollen. Then I thought it was bed bugs, so I bought a whole brand new bed.

All the doctors wanted to do was give me drugs and shots, but they didnt know what was wrong. I even went to an allergist who told me to just keep taking beneadryl round the clock until it goes away...:ohwell:..never mind the fact that it would but me in fog and make me feel worse, huh Doc?

It took months to make the connection that I would find relief only when I washed my hair. I co-washed every other day, so it was hard to see the pattern at first. Its still a daily battle, but I've learned to manage.

The pollen count or something must be high Atlanta (and even worse in the city i work in)- When I went home to New Orleans, I didn't have hardly any allergy symptoms, and that fact alone has me considering re-location.

A bit long winded, but maybe this post will help some else who maybe experiencing weird allergies this summer!

*didn't read any other posts yet*

Sorry you're going through this. UJntil you find a long-term solution, can you cover your hair, hijab style maybe?
 
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