Managing Hives & Gluten Allergies

First let me thank those of you who have responded to my blog! This is my first and only blog attempt and to find out that people are reading it is really quite exhilarating! The advice is quite welcome and interesting as well.

I am currently in the UK and doing better on this trip than I have on any other travel in recent past. As an erstwhile traveler with 27 countries in my travelogue, I was very unhappy to experience serious outbreaks on my recent trips. My worst experience was in China 2 years ago when I ended up in the hospital with a severe skin outbreak that was on my right forearm...painful, pussy and quite ugly, it left scars. I figured out that feathers caused that problem. Since then I have all feathers removed from every hotel room. Even if you tell them upon registration, you often have to ask upon arrival and then call housekeeping after you get into the room.

I've also learned to bring a mattress barrier and a pillow barrier that are permanent residents of my suitcase. I found a product that I use at home and on travel called MiteNix. This obliterates dust mites and I carry a small spray bottle with me when I travel..it's one of my 3-1-1 containers on the plane because upholstered airplane seats can cause an outbreak. My best friend found a seat cover for airlines and i carry this with me as well. I find it works very well and is very easy to use.

As for restaurant food, I have been able to stay gluten-free quite well by sticking to meat and vegetable combinations.

It has become easier to avoid the triggers lately but I suffered for four years. If my blog can help anyone reduce or avoid such problems I will consider myself successful.

I've also learned to wear socks or slippers in hotel rooms to keep my feet from swelling.

My treatments from the naturopath have been working pretty well. She restricted sugar and alcohol, caffeine along with bread and gluten and other items I appear to be reacting to. In addition I'm taking DHist, InflamX and several homeopathic treatments along with Vitamin D which is apparently low.

Drinking lots of water is also essential to flush toxins from the body, but in particular especially important for me. Thus I keep a bottle of water with me most times.

To anyone suffering from this condition, take heart, life doesn't have to feel deprived...just altered.

I will say that I miss bread and my trip to France was particularly poignant as I watched others consume crepes and french bread which I love. I managed to not eat them and be satisfied with enjoying the rest of the wonderful cuisine. I have lost some weight..and I suppose that is something of a consolation.

Happy travels to you all!