Life In My Skin

It’s back.

The first innocent looking bump appeared on my stomach, an itchy red mark that could easily be taken for a mosquito bite. But very soon it revealed itself for what it was, the beginning of another attack of a bizarre and uncomfortable blistery skin rash that I have been battling for 5 years. I’ve been to at least three dermatologists, several emergency room physicians, and have had three skin biopsies – all to no avail. It’s been guessed at being a systemic reaction to poison ivy, excessive reaction to flea bites, shingles of the eyelid, even the lovely parasite – scabies. Each diagnosis was wrong. I’ve been treated with cortisone creams of varying texture and strengths, some of which just made things worse. I’ve taken prednisone, which seemed to work, only to have the rash return, worse than ever, when the prednisone was stopped. Despite the warning that people with thyroid problems shouldn’t take it- I often must resort to Benadryl so I don’t scratch myself into a bloody pulp. I’ve been tested for lupus and celiac disease and had skin prick allergy tests. I’ve endured topical insecticides and bug bombs in my house. I’ve scoured the dog for nonexistent fleas. I’ve accused my family of leaving the doors open and letting in legions of mosquitoes that seem to only attack me. I’ve switched to hypoallergenic detergent and soap. None of this brings relief.

Each year, as warm weather approaches, I wonder if this will be the year I escape this agony. I avoid yard work, and my lawn shows it, but I am afraid there is something growing out there that hates me. I stay out of the sun, fearful that sunburn will only add more misery to my condition. Each fall, I celebrate the cooling temperatures, because it seems the only relief I get is when the temperature and humidity go down. Could it be as simple as heat intolerance? Do I need to move to Alaska, Siberia or Antarctica?

With my luck, I’d then develop an allergy to snow.