Testing Info-What Did You Use?/my Symptoms

[Babyb]

I don't know if I'm in the right place, but I've spent some time browsing here and know you guys have a lot of information regarding all sorts of immune issues so I figured this would be the best place to go. 

 

Testing- I need an at home kit. Which did you use, did they find anything?  I called an allergist this morning and wanted 350-400 just for an appointment, and I have no insurance.

 

I suffer from EXTREMELY severe eczema and have all my life.  Covered- head to toe, face, neck, and all the other usual places.  I need to know why.  I have been getting blisters on my lower lip about 10-15 minutes after I eat (I always have) but I decided to start taking notes on when it would happen consistently.  Processed chicken nuggets are the worst offenders, Lipton cup of soup, guacamole, some forms of vitamins.   

 

I'm sort of at my wits end here.  

 

I'm obviously allergic to something, I don't have a clue what it is (dairy?), and use the "free detergents."  I have no digestive symptoms just the blisters and severe eczema.

 

Can any of you guys shed any light?  Thanks so much in advance.

[nvsmom]

Welcome to the board.  I'm sorry to hear you haven't been well.

 

I used the Biocard home test which tests ttg IgA levels, as well as tests for adequate serum IgA levels. A positive ttg IgA test will usually indicate celiac but it can indicate there are other autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's, and it can also be raised from infection like e.coli.  The Biocard home test is designed as a celiac blood test (pin prick on the finger) and can be used to help diagnose you; I did further testing with my doctor to be sure. It costs between $50-100.

 

It's not a fool proof test though. I know of someone who had a positive Biocard test but when the doctor checked her, all blood work was negative; she later discovered that she had lyme disease.

 

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder and not an allergy, but it can cause painful rashes. Check out the Dermatitis Herpetiformes board on this forum, perhaps some will be able to help you further there.

 

Best wishes.