"This has had a massive impact on my quality of life"

I was referred to Consultant Dermatology at Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) after angiodema on face, hives on arms, itchy red swollen skin , red sleeve and having  more allergic reactions to food during this time.  I explained to the Consultant that in the past I had an allergy test at Ross Hall and was informed I was allergic to glucocorticoids.

I was concerned to reason why my face was swelling and tried to show the Consultant dermatologist the photos of my symptoms but she did not take the time to look at them and seemed annoyed. 

I was sent for patch testing which was useful  and several allergies were identified but not to steroids. I was given leaflets on my allergies but no follow-up with the Consultant Dermatologist and still no proper  explanation to all the symptoms I had experienced.

The flares resolved after 15 months, each flare having a significant impact on my quality of life but lessening as time went on to the point I was not being as sensitive to allergies, back to normal.

I had a small amount of eczema on my wrist and thought ok I am not allergic to steroids and used a small amount of hydrocortisone on my wrist for over recommended time and am now going through the same symptoms again. 

I suspect I am going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal and that is what I was going through before without any support, however I have had no formal diagnosis as yet. 

I feel if this had been assessed correctly and I had been provided with advice,  I would definitely not have used hydrocortisone again.

This has  had a massive impact on my quality of life .