Michi8

  HannahHannah said:

I was wondering if this was a symptom, or just some silly reaction I'm having to something.

Last night I noticed an itchy rash on both of my cheeks - this morning it is worse...! It's rather red, and I'm trying not to scratch it as I don't want to irritate a rash somewhere as obvious as my face.

I can't think what has caused this...! My skincare routine hasn't changed at all, and I've been very careful not to get glutened. Anyone have any experience of this/ideas as to what may have caused it.

Thanks very much.

It could be anything..allergic reaction, virus, heat rash, DH. Best to have your dr or dermatologist look at it.

Michelle

  April in KC said:

I think it's possible...but it's a good idea to try treating it as another condition (ringworm, psoriasis) to see if it responds.

Are you very fair-skinned?

I ask because I am very fair, and my DH spots on my elbows (extensor surfaces) does not really look as dark or as bad as many of the pictures of DH I have seen. I have taken photos of it, and it does not look like much other than pink areas that leave behind thickened skin. When it starts, I get anywhere between 1 and 5 bumps per elbow, clustered. In this stage, it is very itchy. Now that I've been gluten free for six weeks, I have scarred areas only; no itching. The skin is really starting to thin back to a normal texture, too. I must have a pretty mild case compared to people who have it stay around for a year or longer. When I got glutened by accident, one little itchy spot showed up on each elbow. I have had the rash off and on since childhood. My parents took me to the pediatrician, who prescribed hydrocortizone cream.

Some people say they get purple scars afterwards; my scars are pinkish (where fading) and dry / white (where only thickened skin remains)...but I finally read an article on DH that said either purplish OR whitish scars were a feature.

If you think you have a problem with gluten, be persistent in figuring it out.

HTH! - April

April, what you are describing sounds a lot like psoriasis to me (especially with the thickening skin.) My elbows do the same...and that is what the dermatologist said sounds like psoriasis (rather than eczema that I was diagnosed with many years ago.) For some people, their psoriasis gets better with a gluten-free diet.

The "DH" lesions, on me, react differently, and leave dark marks that take a long time to fade (I'm fair-skinned too), but the skin does not thicken. Maybe I'm just all confused now...I've got so many different skin issues going on that I'm not sure what is what anymore.

Michelle

#5, 9, 24

Michelle

  Mtndog said:

I think that this thread has degenerated into an argument over whether or not marijuana should be legalized when the original question was CC. Since marijuana is LEGAL in some places for certain purposes (such as medicine, or in European countries and parts of Canada), the CC question is valid because this board is international, IMO. However, an argument over legalziation is not.

If you don't have an interest in the original question, please take your argument elsewhere. Otherwise, a potentially helpful thread will probably end up being shut down by Scott.

Thank you.

I don't want to get into an argument. Just want to point out that legal med use, and the move towards decriminalization for possession (of small amounts...being a dealer would still be illegal) is across the board in Canada (not just in parts.)

Hemp is 100% legal here, and has good nutritional value and is widely available in products as well as food. I like it in granola.

Michelle

  Jesse E said:

It does look a bit like ringworm according to some pictures I saw on the internet. But of course, it also looks like dermatitis herpetiformis, psoriasis and eczema. Is it just me or do all of these skin conditions look almost identical?

It's not just you, and I think drs give incorrect labels a lot due to skin conditions looking similar. You need to see a dr or dermatologist who doesn't just glance at it and give you a quick answer. They need to take your history, and really examine what is going on.

I got a label of eczema years ago, only to find out now that what I had/have was/is probably psoriasis. Now I have to go in to see my dermatologist when I have an active case to confirm. Hard to find the time when I'm run off my feet with my three kids and their health issues too. My suspicion of DH is based on different lesions...but the biopsy (done by a different dermatologist I won't go back to!) was taken from the wrong spot, and so the negative result is really inconclusive.

Michelle

  darlindeb25 said:

OK no stone throwing then but tobacco and alcohol are also illegal for teenagers and depending where you live so is dope... Yes, tobacco and alcohol are illegal for teens, but marijuana is illegal for everyone, at least in America and in my opinion should only be used as a prescription for those terminally ill.

The laws are quite different in Canada and the U.S. Medical use is allowed here, and is supplied and controlled through the federal government (though there has been some question to the potency and effectiveness of this medical grade drug.) There have also been changes to the possession laws.

This forum does host more than U.S. citizens, and I think the topic is worthwhile. For me, I'm interested in hearing about cc of hemp, especially in foods.

Michelle

  JennyC said:

To me, it looks like "ring-worm." I know that it sounds gross, but it's really not caused by a worm. It's caused by a fungus-like organism. It is cured by over the counter athlete's foot mediation. (I hop it's gluten-free ) For a while I was prone to this rash. Typically it is seen in people who live in dirty homes with lots of pets (especially cats), according to the doctor I saw. Well, I don't live in a dirty home, or have lots of cats , and you don't have to either. If it is ring-worm the rash should start to fade after a couple days to treatment.

It doesn't look like typical ringworm. The ring is usually more pronounced, whereas these images do not show a ring. It is more likely psoriasis, but I really think a doctor should be consulted, because it really could be any number of things.

Ringworm is not caused by dirty homes, but it is contagious, and can be contracted from animals (pets) as well as humans. Anti fungals such as miconazole and clotrimazole (both are athlete's foot and yeast infection meds) work well for treatment.

Michelle

  HawkFire said:

The silence from Kinnikinnick is overwhelming. I guess this is it for them. They're no better than serving your children processed junk food. Msg laden, gluten free bread products. Thanks, Kinnikinnick, for all the poison.

Since this is so important, have you considered phoning them directly? Perhaps they didn't receive the email, or haven't been responding over the long weekend. Your original post was on Saturday (I'm not sure when you sent the email to them), and it's entirely possible that they have been closed until today.

Michelle

Edit: These are the company's hours (they likely would have been closed Good Friday & Easter Monday as well):

Administration Hours: (MST)

Monday...........9am-4:30pm

Tuesday..........9am-4:30pm

Wednesday........9am-4:30pm

Thursday.........9am-4:30pm

Friday...........9am-4:30pm

Saturday.........Closed

Sunday...........Closed

Retail Store Hours: (MST)

Tuesday..........9:30am-5pm

Wednesday........9:30am-5pm

Thursday.........9:30am-6pm

Friday...........9:30am-5pm

Saturday.........9:30am-5pm

Sunday...........Closed

Monday...........Closed

Maybe...or maybe not. The problem is that the scarring from a lesion can look like so many other skin issues...eczema, psoriasis, etc. You really need a dr to look at an active lesion.

Michelle

There are good links and photos on this site:

Open Original Shared Link

Michelle

  blueeyedmanda said:

Oh boy can I ever relate...once before I was diagnosed. I got sick at Walmart and had to break down and use their bathroom before I had an accident. I don't know about anyone else but Walmart has the worst bathrooms in the world, they are so unclean and disgusting.

This is a very common topic and I am glad there is somewhere we can talk about it.

Sadly, some of the worst public washrooms I've seen have been in the U.S....especially in NYC. Only the washroom at the airport in Moscow, Russia was worse. The Walmarts around here are actually not all that bad.

Michelle

  darlindeb25 said:

Before going gluten-free, my sister and I both had terrible bouts of itching on our legs. Was very weird, it happened about the same time everyday and you got so you dreaded that time of day. When my daughter was 2 1/2 she was in a full body cast for hip problems and my legs broke out in a terrible, itchy rash. First the doc said it was poison ivy, then he said it was an allergic reaction to her cast. This would come and go for me, never getting terrible as some of you have mentioned. After going gluten-free, I had one major incident when both elbows had the identical rash--I used peppermint lotion which helped tremendously and also, which I can no longer find anywhere. I was told at the time that it was DH, but never doctor diagnosed for it.

You can get the pharmacy to make up a cream with menthol (usually in Glaxal Base). My daughter had a prescription written up for it, but I don't know if it needs a prescription.

Michelle

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not an anti-inflammatory.

Michelle

What I wrote yesterday...

Swiss Chalet and Milestone's are part of the same chain as Montana's...they should be able to serve gluten free customers as well. I know that Swiss Chalet can do a good job. They offer a pamphlet with info on gluten free options (as well as other allergy issues), plus mentioning it to the server or manager should alert the kitchen staff to watch out for cc. OPM is supposed to be an excellent restaurant for gluten free options too. They are located in South Edmonton Common.

Boston Pizza was mentioned earlier in this thread. I know that some of the locations have offered gluten free pizzas, however one Sherwood Park location has stopped offering this option, but will make a pizza for you on a crust you bring. Worth calling the restaurant to confirm. Do keep in mind that, given the labour shortage, many restaurants are short of staff, so that may up the risk of cc as staff are often frazzled and overworked.

Michelle

I could have sworn I posted in this thread yesterday...what happened to that post?

Michelle

  admin said:

I believe that using such abbreviations are silly--just write it out! Such things only make it impossible for others to search for information that could help them.

Scott

AFAIK these are common internet abbreviations that have been in use for over a decade...just like the smilies. I don't see their usage stopping. For a list of common abbreviations, check here:

Open Original Shared Link

I've tried "regular" yoga classes before, and wasn't a big fan...though I loved the pregnancy yoga class I took in Vancouver with Janice Clarfield...it was amazing. In general, I much prefer pilates.

However, I've been doing Bikram Yoga (hot yoga) now for a couple of months (started at the end of January) and am hooked! I love having the heat for increasing my flexibility and the thorough sweating is good for removing toxins from the system. The room is kept at around 105 degrees (though one class I attended was 110!), and is humid. The class is 90 minutes long, consisting of 26 postures.

I'm going a couple of times per week now, went to class this morning, and can't wait for the next class on Tuesday night.

Michelle

I've heard of it...years ago...but haven't tried it. From what I understand it's a detox/cleanse diet.

Michelle

  debmidge said:

I grew up in home which in 1960's and 1970's was quite unusual..as my mother had an idea that being exposed to germs kept us healthy. She cleaned home of course and used cleaners and bleach but wasn't off the wall about washing hands or playing in dirt outside. We were not sicker than any other neighborhood children. I married husband who is "Felix Unger" and he always insisted in washing hands when coming in, taking shoes off before entering house and again, my level of colds and sore/strep throat or flu never changed.(snip)

Taking shoes off at the door is part of the culture in Canada. It would be rude not to do so. But it also serves a good purpose. It keeps your floors cleaner, and extends the life of your flooring! My floors get dirty enough as it is...I can't imagine having to constantly clean up after tracked in dirt, especially on my carpet. Also, it's good for your feet to not constantly be wearing shoes.

  Quote

Additionally, as a teenager I only washed my face once a day - and that was if I wore some mascara and blush - so some days I didn't wash my face, but I've sometimes dabbed it with alcohol - I don't remember why. I never had breakouts and my skin was clear. I believe that there's a "mantle" needed to protect the skin and chemicals and harsh scrubbing removes it.

You don't need to wash your face more than once per day. I have heard the recommendation that you should wash before bed. I prefer to wash in the morning myself, but I don't wear makeup either. I also only shower every other day, and only use soap on the parts that really need it. The oils on the skin perform an important protective role, and to use soap frequently washes that away.

Michelle

  2kids4me said:

i am pro-dirt too

My kids do wash their hands with regular soap and I will wipe down the phone...but I dont go overboard. We are in the middle of cattle country and farmers get cow poop on them all the time , hubby does a calving and gets the poop on his face (direct hit sometimes. What I have noticed is that none of these guys gets e-coli and all these farm kids stay relatively healthy. Very few with asthma, etc. We are however a hotspot for MS (southern Alberta)...

Sandy

I wouldn't be surprised if your family has built up immunity to e-coli with being around cattle all the time. E-coli is an issue, however, with the general public because strains are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics and the risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis (sp?) goes up along with it. That's where we do need to be careful about germs/bacteria to ensure we aren't unnecessarily exposing ourselves through poorly handled and undercooked foods. Precautions have to start with the people who first handle our foods, whether it's contamination of water used on the fields (contamination of food crops), handling by sick workers (eg, crops/foods contaminated with hepatitis), or poor health procedures during slaughter and packaging.

  Quote

My "fear" is mold, We had a mold problem in our previous house and kids were always sick and it was during the exposure to it - that they developed their autoimmune diseases. Mind you they had to have a genetic weakness, but I believe mold was the trigger, plus influenza at the time didnt help!

Certain types of mold (ie black mold) are an issue for everybody, not just those with allergies, and can definitely be very harmful to one's health. I'm sure it contributes to chronic autoimmunity issues and long term health.

Michelle

The kids are on spring break right now, so our routine has gone out the window. I haven't really had any meals yet today (kids had cereal)...just pomegranate & berry juice and coffee so far. Will have to make lunch for the kids soon...will probably have pasta w/red sauce for lunch myself.

For exercise, I'll be going to an 1.5 hour hot yoga class tonight. I'll have to eat dinner 2-3 hours before the start of class.

Michelle

  Jestgar said:

I am totally pro-dirt. Except for known sources of very bad things (pork, chicken, bathrooms) I have a casual approach to "cleanliness". I never use Purell, don't buy anti-bacterial soaps or wipes, don't drink bottled water, mop my floor occasionally, and leave the spiders in my house (mice, however, are another story).

I think you should live in harmony with the world, not fight it.

(And the antibacterial soap hasn't been shown to be more effective at killing bacteria on your hands than regular soap. All you're doing is exposing yourself to more chemicals.)

I totally agree. The germs that we have in our own houses really aren't a concern to our health. Yes, the house needs to be cleaned, but it doesn't need to be sterile. Antibacterial soaps are very hard on my skin too...I have to wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning bathrooms or my skin will crack and split. We use very basic, gentle soaps for bathing and washing hands.

We do drink bottled water, however, because I do not think that drinking treated tap water is safe...especially since our municipality treats with chloramine (combination of chlorine and ammonia)...the stuff does not easily gas off (takes at least 2 weeks with constant agitation) and will quickly kill fish...can't believe that it's that safe for humans either.

Michelle

  Viola 1 said:

We have mosquitoes, no cockroaches ... Yuck! But have 'stink bugs' that fly ... also known as squash bugs and fir beetles. They are really gross

Yes, unfortunately, mosquitoes are found in the BC interior...don't think I'd like the stink bugs either...that's why I'll pick the coast to retire. I'm thinking somewhere around Sechelt.

Michelle

  Viola 1 said:

Hi Rusla; It sounds like you had a blast in Victoria I like to visit the island occasionally, but don't want to live there. Those ferries would drive me insane, and is one of the reasons we don't visit all that often, as hubby's cousin would say.

One error that someone told you about fleas. We took our mini dachshund to Victoria for a week and had to treat him for fleas before the week was over. My daughter constantly had to treat her cat and dogs when they lived there. To be fair, I don't know of a warm, wet area that doesn't have a flea problem.

Sure glad you had fun and got to see all the wonderful stuff. It really is a gorgeous city, and I love spending hours in their garden nurseries. If you move there, have the place you rent or buy checked out well for mold problems, another 'coastal' problem. That includes all the cities in the great rain forests of B.C.

I know you are high on the coast, but you have to look at the practicle stuff too. I'm with you, better the coast than Calgary ... even though Calgary has no bugs, and the Coast has tons of them It's kinda like 'gluten free" do your research before you quit the job In the meantime, visit often.

The only time Calgary has no bugs is when it's windy...which happens a lot. I found that living on the coast (Vancouver) was way better bug wise, because there are no mosquitoes!

I cannot stand the mosquitoes in Calgary and Edmonton...it can make summer evenings unbearable. Only thing worse is living in Winnipeg (where I lived for the first 12 years of my life), because they have even more mosquitoes. All other bugs I can live with...except for cockroaches...they're worse than mosquitoes.

Michelle

  2Boys4Me said:

Weird...most of the time doctors recommend Calgary and Kamloops for people with asthma. It's like the desert. But with mountains.

I think it would depend on your asthma triggers. My asthma started when I lived in Calgary where the air is really dry and dusty. It disappeared when I was living in humid Vancouver. My allergies have become worse since moving back to Alberta...and my asthma acts up every so often.

Michelle