Gettin' Itchy Wit It

Ok... I know. Lame title, but I couldn't help myself.

This week I seem to be having an allergic reaction to something. At first I think it's one thing, then later consider another possible trigger, then another. Now I'm suspicious of everything I eat, and everything I'm touching. Is it soy? Eggs? Dairy? The cats? Maybe it's the "natural flavors" in my seltzer, or my soap, the detergent. What is making my skin freak out!?

I've never been allergic to anything before. However, thinking back, I'd get the occasional itchy, on my arm or back that would nag for a day. I never thought anything of it, but what if those were whispers of something my body didn't like, and I just wasn't paying attention?

So now it's full elimination diet. Basically I'll end up doing something like Whole30, which is how I eat most of the time anyways. I really wasn't going to jump on the bandwagon, but basically it's what I'm having to do right now. Anything remotely suspicious is out until my skin clears up and the itching stops. Then I get to add in possible allergens, one by one and of course being hyper-conscious of how my skin is feeling about it.

I know I could save time by seeing a doctor and having an allergy test done, but who knows how much that will cost... and I'm not a big fan of doctors as it is. Last fall I spent a thousand bucks on blood tests to tell me that my thyroid was "normal" when all the symptoms suggested otherwise. I can just see getting the allergy test done to find out I'm allergic to nothing, and this horrible itching is just a fluke, a practical joke set upon me by my immune system.

In the meantime, I'm trying everything I can think of for home remedies, ranging from the conventional- antihistamines and hydrocortizone cream- to the unusual- oatmeal baths and crisco & sugar "frosting" balms. I can't say one way or another whether it's working. I feel better for a while with no itching or redness, then it comes right back, probably because I keep exposing myself to the mystery allergen.

The last couple of days have been better, thanks to continued use of antihistamines, in spite of completely overindulging in my birthday dinner. It was still technically Primal, but still a very big splurge. Now to get onto the straight and very narrow. It's time to give not only the house, but my body, a good spring cleaning.

Anyone else do a "spring cleaning" or tonics? Anyone deal with diagnosing a food allergy or have foods cause itching or hives? I'm open to your thoughts, experiences and suggestions. :)