Tuesday 31 January 2017

Allergy or Over Exposure -January

My Poor Swatching Hand

Hi guys, I was going to write one long post on my swatching hand recovery, but as it's gonna take a few months, I thought it easier to do a monthly update. About 2 weeks before Christmas I had a reaction on my swatching hand to what I first thought was using out of date cuticle oil. The main reason for me writing this, is because when I was looking for answers online, I couldn't find anything, and I wouldn't want anyone who loves painting their nails to go through the same as me. But if this was to happen, I'm hoping this post would be helpful. 
It started with these tiny blisters, that itched now and again. Then my finger tips and nails felt sensitive. As it was a holiday period I was unable to see a doctor as soon as I wanted, but when I did I was prescribed some steriod ointment, called Eumovate. I applied this twice a day for 7 days, the blisters went, but my skin was so red and felt so dry, basically like leather!!
I was debating whether to post some photos as my nails and skin looked disgusting! But here goes. 
What looked like bruising appeared and some nails started to lift, so I had no choice but to file them the shortest they've ever been in years! Although still slightly red, my skin looked smoother, and the bruising/ burning is more apparent. I will say though in no pain or itching and the sensitivity had gone. But as my skin was super dry, even though I was using E45, coconut oil and a new cuticle oil, then they started to peel.
The skin continued to peel under and around each finger. I was tempted to pick at it, but didnt and carefully cut it with cuticle clippers.
Still red and a bit puffy, no infection though and my skin is starting to feel softer and normal again, still a tiny bit of peeling but no where near as bad as before. For the last 5 days I have been using The Edge Nails Nail Oil Pen, with Avocado and Vitamin E.

Not an over powerful scent, but smells very refreshing. A nice oil that's not too greasy feeling and absorbed into my skin quickly leaving my nails looking nice. A handy twist pen oil that you can take anywhere you go.
So here's the photo collage (that I didn't want to post) of my nails through January.
You can see at one point just how bad they were. The bottom middle pic is how they look now. Some slow improvement that can only hopefully continue. I'll have another monthly update next month.
Hope you found this post eye opening and I also hope I never scared you with these photos!
Stay safe and much love...

26 comments:

  1. It's so sad to see so many people going through this. I wish there was more of a definitive answer.

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  2. I hate that you're going through this, but I'm glad its getting better. And hopefully they will be back to normal by next month!

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    1. Thank you, me too but I think it's gonna take a few months x

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  3. Ugh, I'm so sorry you went through this! I hope you were able to identify the source of the allergy so you don't have to go through it again!

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    1. Same, really not sure if I want to try gels again, but curious to find out exactly what caused it x

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  4. Oh my goodness, that looks awful. Hopefully they recover soon, that looks so painful. :(

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    1. Thanks hun, I'm in no pain. They just don't look nice :/

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  5. It's so upsetting to see this happening to so many people! I hope you have a quick recovery and hope the pain is fully gone.

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  6. Hope your nails are getting better, however I am curious to know if you figured out what was the cause...
    I have never used fake nails, because I just rather have my natural nails short or long I am happy with. Get better soon and good luck to you.

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    1. Thank you, will definately look further into the cause of this x

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  7. I'm sorry you had to go through this, but I'm happy to see your nails are growing out again and I hope you're fully recovered soon.

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  8. Oh goodness! I am so sorry this happened - it looks painful!

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  9. Oh my goodness, I had no idea how bad you'd had it! It looks similar to the chemical burns mentality polish caused, but I'm no expert. I hope you make a full recovery soon x

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  10. I'm so very sorry that you are going through this! I hope they are back to normal as soon as possible!

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  11. I am so sorry that you had to go through this. But I am happy that they are healing and your hand along with your nails are doing better!

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  12. The photos remind me of the images I used on this post http://emslittlecorner.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/some-thoughts-on-mentality-situation.html?m=1

    Very similar reaction. Hope it doesn't make you lose your interest, that was sort of where the magic died off for me a bit and then I quit blogging. Left my very nervous of trying anything new or unknown, I stick to same stuff a lot now. Healing thoughts.

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    1. Thank You, I did read your post when I was searching for answers. But after swatching 15 gels a day for 3 months I can now understand my over use reaction. The company were very sympthic and apologetic and gave me sellers rights on the gels, to which I have sold them all. I'm sticking to regular nail polish and the dipping powder system. Plus I think not painting them for 4 months have them a nice rest. I was so upset and didn't want to totally disappear for my little corner of the internet that I've been using my cindy hand xx

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