Dyshidrotic Dermatitis

Dyshidrotic Dermatitis is what I’m pretty sure I have developed on my feet and hands. It actually started back home in May. Yes, 10 months ago. My doctor thought it was a fungus infection but after four rounds of antibiotics, salt soaks, and a steroid anti-fungal cream nothing much has changed. I did some research and talked to my mom (who has a form of dermatitis) and have come to the conclusion that I have inherited this from her. My older sister has it and my mom’s older sister has it as well. It has to do with chemical reactions in our bodies.

Basically, I develop small blisters on my hands and feet. They itch really bad and spread quickly if I don’t pop them. I did find out that you are supposed to pop the blisters to keep it from spreading. It’s not contagious. The blisters are under the skin and make the area feel tender and sore. After the blisters are drained the skin dries, flakes, and then falls off.

It’s a chemical reaction. Various things irritate it. Most soaps, detergents or fragrances make it flare up. Cutting up acidic fruits or veggies and even raw meat can cause blisters to form. Exposure to nickel such as in money, computer keyboards, cocoa/chocolate, whole grains, and nuts can aggravate it. Changes in the seasons can either help clear it up or make it worse. Certain medicines (one which I take) can prolong it. As always stress is a factor.

Some people get it once and it goes away forever. Other people have it on and off for their entire life. It can get extreme enough to where one can’t use their hands or feet. So far I have a mild case and am going to the doctor to see what they suggest for treatment here.

Some treatments are simple creams and/or powders. Others are oral medications. For extreme cases they have UV Light therapy. The key is to keep your hands and feet dry and away from irritants. I might end up taking an allergy test. I’m hopeful that there will be something that will help me take care of my hands and feet and prevent infection.

If you are interested in more info, here are two websites I found:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyshidrotic_dermatitis
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/dyshidrotic_dermatitis.html

Out of the Mouth of Babes!

I chatted with my mom the other night when she informed me that I live in heaven. Here’s the story....

My mom was driving with my two nieces (ages 7 & almost 4) in the car when she overheard one of them say, “Christy’s in heaven.” My mom was in shock and asked, “What do you mean?” My youngest niece explained, “Christy is going away for a long time and we can’t see here. She’s in heaven.”

Then when I skyped them my youngest niece said, “Christy’s calling from heaven.” Good to know these things. I’m sure India will be reflected in heaven but I’m pretty sure India itself is not heaven. It’s got its own charm and beauty but I’m hoping for a lot better than this.

Cooking 101

You would think that if you took the same ingredients that you use at home to make a dish then it would come out the same here, right? NO! Tomato puree tastes different here than in the States so one needs to season it differently. In fact, tomato puree is better left not used for any recipe from home. But what do you use instead?

I think my answers have been solved. I was given a cookbook today filled with recipes from the States but using local ingredients. The substitutes and variations on measurements are there. It includes everything from fun drinks like Orange Julius to main dishes like enchiladas and desserts and sides and dips. It’s wonderful. I will no longer have to just make stir fried veggies with some sort of meat. The cook book also gives spice info including the Hindi name.

In addition to the cookbook I have been able to watch my friend cook all week which has given me helpful hints on easy preparation of a variety of Indian dishes. She’s also given me nifty ideas for snacks, lunch, and breakfast. A lot of thinking outside the box and trying new combinations.

It’s been good to hear the struggles of her first year here. It apparently takes 3 to 6 months to really learn how to cook. No wonder so many people higher cooks!

We’ve also had great conversations about the struggles of the first year. It takes time to adjust and it’s a “job” in itself. Other than adjusting and learning Hindi my support system is really encouraging me not to get anxious about “doing” anything. I think I’m starting to embrace this more and more. It really does a number on your identity. I’m definitely not competent at much here. It all makes you reevaluate your values and priorities.

It’s just good to know it’s all normal and one day I will be able to function as well as my friend and her family. I must give it to them. All of them have dietary restrictions. This week with me thrown in none of us could all eat the same thing but we still ate very well.

I discovered that my friend and I both have IBS. This can be a challenge to manage back home but change your entire diet and see what it does to you. She was able to give me some very helpful local remedies. One of them I’ve used back home (peppermint oil) and it helps. In certain circumstances I need something more powerful. That’s where Psyllium Husk comes in. It worked magic on me. I haven’t been this regular since before my IBS meds were taken off the market. I had been able to manage it with peppermint oil and special yogurt in the States but the yogurt doesn’t seem to be working here. Psyllium Husk is basically a type of fiber. You just put a couple of teaspoons in some water or juice and drink it. It’s peppermint oil in the morning and psyllium husk at night