It starts to build. Little patch or raised sensitive skin here, redness and welting there, dry skin flaking and some cracking here. A spot or two there.

I know a flare-up is starting. Oh no, don’t let it spread. Let’s fix it quick. I rack my brain for what may have changed. Did I eat something different? Have I had a bad nights sleep? Was there dairy in that? Am I now allergic to something new? Is it gluten, that is pretty trendy these days. Maybe the washing powder I have used? Perhaps I am reacting to my own sweat? Have I bumped into a cat, change of seasons, grasses, mold…..?

Then comes solution time. Do I keep putting on more regular moisturiser? Maybe it is the moisturiser making it play up, let’s try a different one. Do I go a super greasy barrier cream? Maybe that is what is causing the spots, maybe not. Don’t want to be dry and flakey but don’t want to be greasy and shiny either. Hmmmm

Why is it just affecting this area around my neck and face? Like a perfect tee shirt round line around my neck upwards, it suddenly goes red and blotchy. Does this mean it is because of something during the day, when I am wearing clothes causing it? Does that mean if I put on a greasy cream it will just allow the allergens to stick to me and make it worse? Or is it the creams and moisturisers again because I am applying them a lot more to my face and neck area. 

Back to looking at which lotions and potions to use. Can I still get away with natural remedies? Is calendula cream going to cut it? Do I just need a greasy barrier cream to allow all the little cuts and cracks to heal so I am no longer as itchy and vulnerable? Is it bad enough to consider using steroids? Just hydrocortisone or something gruntier? Why is it getting so much itchier after I put that cream on? Will a bag of frozen peas help? 

Don't scratch you are only making it worse…..

Can I scratch just a little bit?