Recently, my daughter has been experiencing a major flare-up of her eczema, mainly affecting her arms.  My daughter is aware that the original source of the flare-up was fabric softener being used in her laundry.

However, even though this problem was rectified, the flare-up was still present.

Unable to use steroid creams or topical treatments, she has closely looked at her food. Her diet consists of organic, gluten-free foods. With this said, she realized that most foods still could contain a triggering ingredient, such as sugar.

Seeking help, my daughter has seen numerous dermatologists and is now under an allergist’s care. The allergist is patch-testing her for specific chemicals that may be causing the flare-up. Chemicals found in everyday products such as lotions, laundry detergents, soaps, and food.

Unfortunately, sugar cannot be tested.

As most aren’t aware ingredients used in everyday cleaning products are also being used in our food and other products we may digest. An example of this is the additive propylene glycol. Another is propolis, a resin-like material used in toothpaste and mouthwash.

The initial testing is going to consist of around 100 different chemicals. Chemicals that are commonly used in our everyday products. That to me is a lot and something I personally haven’t realized.

Even with this initial patch testing, the source of her flare-up may not be found.