This is my 30-day photo journal of a "rash" on my face that turned out to be so much more. Because my symptoms were so common, I tried to self-diagnose via online research and could not comprehend why my condition was worsening. My mystery illness would escalate and send me to the emergency room, where I was diagnosed with impetigo and prescribed two different antibiotics. Just when I thought my face was healing, my body broke down and I had to go see another doctor - who told me I was severely allergic to one of the antibiotics, and that if I had waited any longer, I would have landed in the emergency room again.
It is difficult for me to publish such unflattering pictures, but perhaps my symptoms, drug interactions, and side effects can help someone else not be blindsided like I was. My situation could have been so easily avoided had I known about impetigo and antibiotic allergies. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. I have suffered so much this month, but my medical catastrophe turned out to be a blessing in disguise that would profoundly change my life.
This journal is not a substitute for medical advice.
It is difficult for me to publish such unflattering pictures, but perhaps my symptoms, drug interactions, and side effects can help someone else not be blindsided like I was. My situation could have been so easily avoided had I known about impetigo and antibiotic allergies. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. I have suffered so much this month, but my medical catastrophe turned out to be a blessing in disguise that would profoundly change my life.
This journal is not a substitute for medical advice.
Before this happened, I considered myself a fairly healthy person:
I was an actress, model, screenwriter, karate black belt, artist, writer:
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| www.chynachuu.com screenshot |
Not to toot my own horn, but I frequently got compliments for my flawless complexion. I loved my skin and tried to take good care of it.
Two months ago, I was on set and the hair stylist had accidentally whacked me on the forehead with a hot blow dryer - leaving a raised burn/abrasion on my forehead that was taking forever to heal. If I went to auditions and put makeup on it, the edges of the wound would break, flaring up with irritation.
Super frustrated to the point of obsession, I tried everything to make it clear up (at home microdermabrasion, hydrocortisone, I even threw antifungal cream on it) - I was not okay with the idea of having a permanent scar on my face. Finally, I stumbled upon a little-known ointment called Brave Soldier Healing Ointment that the biking community swears by to heal and minimize scarring of road rashes and burns.
Two months ago, I was on set and the hair stylist had accidentally whacked me on the forehead with a hot blow dryer - leaving a raised burn/abrasion on my forehead that was taking forever to heal. If I went to auditions and put makeup on it, the edges of the wound would break, flaring up with irritation.
Super frustrated to the point of obsession, I tried everything to make it clear up (at home microdermabrasion, hydrocortisone, I even threw antifungal cream on it) - I was not okay with the idea of having a permanent scar on my face. Finally, I stumbled upon a little-known ointment called Brave Soldier Healing Ointment that the biking community swears by to heal and minimize scarring of road rashes and burns.
I applied it to my forehead and went to bed every night praying to see a blemish-free forehead in the mornings. The mark slowly seemed to be getting better when I found out some great news - I was chosen as a test group participant for a two-month confidential fitness program! It would be a big change to my schedule to follow their set food and exercise plan - I would have to wake up at 6:30 am to work out at their facility 6 days a week, drink their powdered shake, take their multivitamin and Omega-3 supplements, and eat their provided food. Free gourmet delivered meals? Yes, please!
And this is where my story begins...
DAY 1: BEFORE
Fitness Program Day 1. Here is my Progress Photo taken on Day 1:
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| Day 1 |
6:20 am: I wake up groggy, drink my powdered shake, and head over to have my first workout at their gym. I normally wake up at 9:30 am and exercise at nights, so it's a big change, but I think I need to be pushed out my comfort zone if I want to get super toned. I pick up my calorie-restricted bag of food for the day, and take my metabolism formula multivitamins and Omega-3 supplements with my breakfast.
DAY 2: RASH?
The next morning, I see a small rash pop up on my left cheek, on the same side as my wound. I chalk it up to a blemish.
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| Day 2 |
Drink my shake in the morning, head over to my workout.
DAY 3
I wake and my face seems a little puffy. The rash on my left cheek didn't go away, and now I have a new red rash on the side of my nose and little hives that look like 5 pimples on my right cheek. They're not super noticeable in the pictures. Yet.
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| Day 3 |
Drink my shake, head over to workout. I'm concerned something is happening.
DAY 4: SHAKE ALLERGY?
The rashes are growing in size.
My friend posts a Facebook entry about an allergy test that she took. Maybe my face is breaking out because of allergies to the new shake or supplements? I trawl online forums and many people have gotten hives from the same powdered shake I'm drinking. There are a million ingredients in it, but I think the one I'm reacting to is stevia - it can cause hives. I email the food delivery people about stevia in their food - they say they use it sometimes.
She says her allergy test cost $300 with insurance. Hmm. Too pricey.
I don't like to take medication. At all. But I take Claritin, decide to stop drinking the shake, and hope it gets better in the morning.
DAY 5: SUPPLEMENT ALLERGY?
It is Sunday, my one rest day from the fitness program. I didn't drink the shake today, but it's nighttime, and my rash seems to be getting worse.
I do some research on the multivitamins. My friend says many people have allergic reactions to "fast burners," which are multivitamins with added chemicals to enhance your metabolism. I look up the ingredients, and there are three "L-" chemicals that can cause hives, and other ingredients like PABA which may be giving me a reaction. Ugh. I go back to taking my old One-A-Day multivitamin.
I take Claritin and decide to stop taking the vitamins as well. I put Brave Soldier Healing Ointment on the rashes. On Amazon it says that you can use it for antiseptic purposes, for shaving purposes, rashes, and burns. I hope it works.
The rashes are growing in size.
My friend posts a Facebook entry about an allergy test that she took. Maybe my face is breaking out because of allergies to the new shake or supplements? I trawl online forums and many people have gotten hives from the same powdered shake I'm drinking. There are a million ingredients in it, but I think the one I'm reacting to is stevia - it can cause hives. I email the food delivery people about stevia in their food - they say they use it sometimes.
She says her allergy test cost $300 with insurance. Hmm. Too pricey.
I don't like to take medication. At all. But I take Claritin, decide to stop drinking the shake, and hope it gets better in the morning.
DAY 5: SUPPLEMENT ALLERGY?
It is Sunday, my one rest day from the fitness program. I didn't drink the shake today, but it's nighttime, and my rash seems to be getting worse.
I do some research on the multivitamins. My friend says many people have allergic reactions to "fast burners," which are multivitamins with added chemicals to enhance your metabolism. I look up the ingredients, and there are three "L-" chemicals that can cause hives, and other ingredients like PABA which may be giving me a reaction. Ugh. I go back to taking my old One-A-Day multivitamin.
I take Claritin and decide to stop taking the vitamins as well. I put Brave Soldier Healing Ointment on the rashes. On Amazon it says that you can use it for antiseptic purposes, for shaving purposes, rashes, and burns. I hope it works.
DAY 6
Instead of drinking the shake, I eat an apple so I don't have to work out on an empty stomach. First day of no vitamins, no shake. I pray for the chemicals to leave my system. I continue to take Claritin and put Brave Soldier Healing Ointment on the rashes.
DAY 7: CHEMICAL BURN?
Now you can tell in the pictures that there is something happening to my face. The mark on my forehead has new red dots trailing down my eyebrow. There are new little hives in the middle of my forehead that look like a tight cluster of white mini pimples. The hives on my cheek look like red pimples with surrounding redness. My face is itchy.
I do research online and see that there is something called a chemical burn. Some people get it from anti-acne topical products. This one girl had chemical burns from putting teatree oil on her pimple. Brave Soldier Healing Ointment has teatree oil in it. Uh oh.
I do some deduction - perhaps it is not the supplements after all. Perhaps I have a chemical burn. I've always used the Brave Soldier on my forehead. Why the new rash starting Day 2?
Before: I would wash my face in the morning, put Brave Soldier on my forehead, then wash my face at night after I exercised.
My New Theory: I wash my face in the morning, put Brave Soldier on, and wash my face two hours later. Perhaps my skin hasn't had sufficient time to absorb it, so I am accidentally spreading it around and burning healthy skin.
My skin does look a little red, like it's been overly irritated. I am going with the new theory of chemical burn, but I will not start the supplements again just in case. No more Claritin.
I do some deduction - perhaps it is not the supplements after all. Perhaps I have a chemical burn. I've always used the Brave Soldier on my forehead. Why the new rash starting Day 2?
Before: I would wash my face in the morning, put Brave Soldier on my forehead, then wash my face at night after I exercised.
My New Theory: I wash my face in the morning, put Brave Soldier on, and wash my face two hours later. Perhaps my skin hasn't had sufficient time to absorb it, so I am accidentally spreading it around and burning healthy skin.
My skin does look a little red, like it's been overly irritated. I am going with the new theory of chemical burn, but I will not start the supplements again just in case. No more Claritin.
DAY 8:
I decide to stop washing my face. No soap, no moisturizer, no sunscreen. Online posts indicate to just wash with water and pat dry to minimize irritating burnt skin, and let the burn dry and crust and flake away. My friend had a burn and she says that it will turn yellow and brown and it won't be pretty. I was feeling optimistic...
DAY 9:
I am starting to get self-conscious when I see my workout classmates. Now I don't leave the house except to go to this mandatory class. I turn from a super friendly girl to an introverted, eye-averting mute.
My face is extra itchy at nights. I start having trouble sleeping at night. I tell myself to just be patient and wait for my skin to regenerate.
I feel a little nauseous and a little dizzy as I wake up for my 8 am workout. I chalk it up to stress. We get weighed. I have lost 1.6 pounds.
The mark on my forehead is starting to get super ridged and grow a yellowish-crust. I read online that the colored crust is typical of second-degree burns - the yellow liquid is serum in the blood, which grows and dries over the burn to form a protective layer. The other rashes are growing more prominent.
I always give my 150% in my workout class - I love to exercise and when I'm lifting weights or doing burpees, I don't even think about my face. It's after class that my stress level goes up because I want to slither out asap without saying goodbye to anyone.
I come home, and the crust gets progressively worse. I can't stand myself looking like this. My friend tells me to take pictures just in case I have to use them in the future. I am not feeling cute. Not one bit.
I have been hiding in the house, but I decide to walk to my favorite place, Trader Joe's. I love being out and about - running errands, leisurely grocery shopping, walking - staying indoors all day makes me depressed. I really need some stress relief so I cast aside my insecurities. The stroll makes me really happy.
I find myself scratching my entire face at night. My forehead annoys me the most, but I can't really satisfy the itch because the yellow crust is like a barricade - it's so hard and affixed to my skin that it feels like I'm scratching rock candy. I feel weird tingling sensations on my face.
DAY 11: THE RASH GROWS...
The yellowish crust has turned brown. I'm kinda happy because that's what my friend said happens when burns are healing, but I'm not happy because my right cheek is swollen and the rash on my nose has merged with the rash on my cheek to form a giant patch now. Sigh.
My skin has definitely lost its glossiness and just looks dry and raw. I read an article about Brandi Glanville suffering a burn on her face from a laser treatment. Her cheeks look similar to mine. I research into chemical peel post-skin care regimens, and how long it takes them to heal.
I wonder if my skin will scar. I rely on my face for acting. I watch Youtube videos of chemical burns. They're scary.
My patience runs out on me. I have a major breakdown. My boyfriend consoles me.
The crust is really starting to get raised, hard, and dry. It looks nasty and feels like rough sandpaper. I am starting to get a little bit of a crust on my cheeks too. I still haven't washed my face because I read that it's important to keep the burn dry so it can heal.
I cancel two upcoming acting auditions. I had been holding out in hopes my face would clear up, but I have to face reality.
I've never gone this many days without washing my face. I don't even splash it with water. I'm surprised the healthy parts of my skin still look good.
I am obsessively researching every day about other people's experiences on chemical burns.
NOT CUTE. NOT CUTE AT ALL.
Thank God it's Sunday and I don't have to go to the workout class.
My right cheek begins to swell. My boyfriend studies my face and thinks it's not just a chemical burn. He suspects my forehead and my cheeks are two separate causes because they look different.
He thinks that I have a chemical burn and a sunburn on my cheeks, because the chemical burn damaged the outer protective layer of my skin and I haven't been putting on sunscreen. It's definitely a possibility. I have generally been avoiding the sun, but I do have to go to work out in the mornings, I did take that one afternoon walk, and my laptop is right by the window. Sigh. He thinks I should go back to putting on sunscreen.
My boyfriend tells me that I have to keep the wound moist - he says there are opposing arguments to "wet vs dry wounds" but he sides with keeping wounds moist for better healing. He does research on aloe vera jelly for my sunburn, and goes to Whole Foods right before they close to buy me a 99% Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly.
My friend sees the pictures I send her of my face and tells me to go see a doctor. She recommends an urgent walk-in medical facility on La Brea that only costs $85. I told her I'm going to wait for my boyfriend to come back and try the aloe vera gelly. If it's a sunburn, then a doctor couldn't do anything else for me anyway - to a certain extent I'm so weary of dealing with my face I don't even care anymore.
My boyfriend comes back with the aloe vera moisturizer. It irks me that they brand it with a nonsensical word "gelly," like a mutated offspring of "gel" and "jelly."
I wash my face for the first time in three days. I can no longer use my usual skin care regimen of Josie Maran Argan Oil products because they sting my face. I switch to a Simple Cleansing Non-Drying Face Gel that I got as a free sample by mail. I put the aloe vera gelly on, which stings a little bit. After ten minutes, my overall redness fades.
We're optimistic. My inner copy editor officially retract her disdain. Who cares about liberal spelling choices? Their product works! Yay!
DAY 13: THE SH*T HITS THE FAN
I wake up PUFFY. My entire face is swollen. My entire undereye area is filled with fluid. In the morning, I wash my face, put on the aloe vera gelly, and SPF 40. I wear a huge visor as I walk to and from my car. I stay in the house after I come back from the workout class.
This is my morning progress photo at 8 am:
My face is looking WONKY. I look like the poster child for Plastic Surgery Gone Bad.
This has been the progression of my face over the past twelve days:
What the eff is going on?
My swollen cheek is pushing on my right eye. I email the fitness program and tell them I am taking a sick day tomorrow. I'm a Type A Teacher's Pet and it kills me to miss a day. I tell them I don't think I should go to class if my eye is swollen shut and I can't drive. They ask me what is going on and I tell them that I think it could be the shake, supplements, chemical burn, or sunburn. The program contact forwards my account to the nutritionists and asks if they think it could be an allergy to the food or the supplements. They tell me to stop the supplements immediately and to go see a doctor.
Look at my face 7 hours later:
I don't recognize myself. I read that burns can cause swelling but it's one thing to read about it and it's another thing to see it happen to your face. I feel so hideous. My boyfriend says I'm not hideous and gives me a hug. He's the best.
I try to sleep, but I'm tossing and turning. As it hits midnight, my face begins to turn even more red and swollen. My boyfriend looks at my face, and says, "This is not a sunburn. Your left cheek has always been the good one. It hasn't been swollen, and now it's swelling up more than the other one. This is something else."
Soon yellow pus begins leaking, dripping down my face from my forehead, my cheeks, faster than I can wipe it. If I leave it on for five minutes, it crystallizes into a sticky, hard stalactite on my jawline. EWW.
I decide to go to the urgent care walk-in facility my friend recommended. I read the profiles of their doctors, and they all seem highly qualified. It opens at 8 am. I am literally counting every minute because at 6:27 am, my face looks like this:
I look in the mirror and I make a very self-evident observation:
"Holy sh*t, my face is big."
My "good" cheek is now more swollen, so swollen to the point where I can barely see out of my left eye. I can't put in my contacts. I have -7.0 vision in both eyes, so I have pretty blurry vision without my contacts.
For some reason, while we're counting down the minutes to leave for the urgent care, I tell my boyfriend to google staph infection. I don't know what made it pop into my head. I have many similar symptoms - the rash, crust, hives, swelling. Sigh, it's just another possible theory to add to the pile because my symptoms were so common. I'm tired of wondering. But something's going on. I'm really scared.
DAY 14: EMERGENCY ROOM
As we leave, I put on my visor and decide to fashion a protective hat of some sort. I don't have SPF on my face, so I don't want my face to get burned by the morning sun.
I hang a towel around my visor, and tuck it into place underneath the headband. I'm really proud of my DIY beekeeper's hat. It's solid. Not only am I protected from the sun, my deformed face is entirely hidden from other humans, who may not recognize me as one of their kind and accidentally banish me to Roswell.
My boyfriend doesn't enjoy my hat as much as I do. He's usually cool and calm, and I can tell that he's worried. At the moment I realize I'm taking any little pleasure I get from my hat because inside I'm totally freaking out.
We get there at 7:30 am. We wait inside the car. Slowly nurses begin to trickle in one by one. At 7:45 am a guy goes up to the door and waits. Frick! I thought we would be the first. My boyfriend goes outside to hold our spot.
Finally at 8 am, we all sign in. A guy who came after me gets called in. What gives? It's finally my turn and the nurse asks what happened. He says he's going to find the doctor.
The doctor comes in and he's concerned. He thinks I have some sort of skin infection and it looks really serious. He says that I should go to the emergency room.
WHAT?! I'm totally thrown off guard. I thought this doctor would prescribe me some medicine, maybe give me a shot, and send me off on my monstrous, but merry, way. Damn! The emergency room? I don't have health insurance!
I ask the doctor if he could prescribe me medication. We start going into the history of my wound, but he cuts us off. "It doesn't matter what it used to look like! This right now could be really serious!"
The doctor starts freaking out. I don't have my contacts on, but he's flailing his arms enough for me to tell.
"It could be erysipelas, it could be another skin infection. If you go to the emergency room now, they can treat it more aggressively, they can give you an injection, they can treat it with stronger antibiotics. Listen, I am a little doctor's office. I have my antibiotics that I could give you, but it would take 24 hours to see if they work. In that 24 hours, if it gets worse, you may end up going to the emergency room anyway - you may have to be admitted and hooked up to an IV for days. You can choose to go with my medications, but you will sign off that you accept the risk of whatever happens."
I don't want to be treated by a doctor who doesn't seem confident of being able to help me. I know emergency room bills can run into some serious money even with insurance, but I just don't want to spend the next 24 hours gambling with my life. He recommends for us to go to Cedars-Sinai, which is about ten minutes away.
Along the drive, I call my brother and my sister and fill them in. My brother is surprised. "I thought you just had a rash." Yeah, me too. My other brother is overseas. I get to the ER, they take my temperature (I don't have a fever, thank goodness), and I get a wristband. While I'm waiting, I email all my siblings and tell them I just wanted them to know that I love them. I'm scared I'm going to die.
This is me in the lobby of Cedars-Sinai ER. I never imagined I would have to go to the emergency room. Unresolved issues from my life flood my mind all at once.
I finally get ushered into a room. The doctor comes in, we explain the entire history to him. He thinks it may be impetigo. He brings in a specialist. They are puzzled because it is a bacterial infection that usually affects babies and children.
Impetigo has a distinctive amber, honey-colored crust.
I recall the yellow crust on my forehead that I thought was my body healing my burn.
But I didn't have a chemical burn.
Or a sunburn.
Or allergies.
Or hives.
I had impetigo, finally matured, squirting nasty amber goo on my face. Ugh.
The impetigo extends all the way to my scalp, and it now covers almost 3/4 of my face. The specialist advises for me to take two different antibiotics - one is specifically to treat MRSA. He tells me to wash off the crust gently, not to pick, not to scratch. I am given an informational packet on impetigo.
I ask the specialist what my skin care regimen should be. He says gentle soap, and that's it.
Does it have to be a special soap?
No.
Can I use moisturizer?
He shakes his head as if he's surprised I'm asking these things.
FINALLY AFTER 13 DAYS I HAVE A DIAGNOSIS!!
Diagnosis: Impetigo - a contagious skin infection caused by staph or strep bacteria
Treatment: I am prescribed three medications:
Two oral antibiotics:
1) Keflex 500mg, 3x a day for 10 days
2) Bactrim, 2x a day for 10 days
Topical ointment:
3) Mupirocin 2% for 7 days
My sister, who is an ER doctor, says for mild cases of impetigo, they prescribe just the topical ointment, and otherwise she would just prescribe Keflex. I didn't tell my sister about my face the whole time because I thought she would just push me to go see a doctor.
If I had known about impetigo when my yellow crust first appeared, I could have caught it in time and my face wouldn't be in this state. Sigh. I can't dwell on my past choices - I have a diagnosis, and I have treatment.
I'm glad they're erring on the safe side and giving me two medications. I've never taken antibiotics before. I can't wait for the bacteria to die swiftly and mercilessly.
Washing my face, however, is super traumatic. When I lean over the sink, my gigantic face feels like a distended balloon about to break - there is so much heavy fluid in my face stretching and pulling my skin downwards. The yellow crusts had hardened so much that they are almost impossible to wash off, even though I try the warm washcloth method that the doctor recommended. My jaws are so swollen I can feel the fluid sloshing around as I pat my face dry.
My left eye is really swollen and I notice there is a yellow blob of pus peeking out from the corner of my eye. Ew. It looks like a gobby piece of phlegm. I use a Q-tip to try and pull it out, but it's incredibly viscous. I ask my boyfriend to take a look at it, and he can't believe I used a Q-tip to poke the surface of my eye. He tells me it's probably because my eye is so swollen that it's causing the surface of my eyeball to squish. He shakes his head in frustration and tells me that I need to think before I do things, because I could end up infecting my otherwise healthy eye. He's totally right - I have a hard time not panicking when it comes to my health.
The Mupirocin ointment stings badly. I feel like my face is on fire. I fantasize about the bacteria being broiled to death, cornered by vigilant Mupirocin soldiers wielding branding irons marked VOID. Go, go, stamp them out! My expectations for recovery go through the roof.
I'm relieved to finally know what's going on with my face. I google impetigo. I am not surprised that I misdiagnosed it because my symptoms were so common.
I have the least severe type of impetigo, non bullous impetigo, which account for 70% of cases. It is usually caused by staph, although it can be caused by strep.
Staph bacteria are more commonly found in gyms and locker rooms, and other places of close quarters where a lot of people gather. The bacteria enters via broken skin - either an insect bite, burn, scratch, bitten fingernails, etc. I suspect I got the staph infection from the facility of the fitness program, and it entered my system via the wound on my forehead. My sister says I can't know for sure where or how I picked it up, since we all pass germs from one person to another.
I read online that bacteria can live harmlessly on your skin until they enter via a cut or a wound, but in some children they can enter even without any damage to the skin. My immune system was probably low because I was tired and stressed dealing with a new schedule (maybe that's why I got a strain that was common in babies and children). My boyfriend's theory is that normal adults are probably strong enough to ward it off, like him, who has been exposed to me this whole time.
I update the fitness program on my condition and they tell me no one else has it and that they sanitized their entire facility. The program director calls me and tells me she had a similar situation years ago. Her face had swelled up, but she had waited too long to seek treatment, and she had to be admitted to the ER for her staph infection and hooked up to an IV for five days. Yikes.
After hearing that I'm worried about not being able to shop for food because I can't put in my contacts or leave the house, they generously pay for 5 extra days of continued food delivery service for me. I am released from the program, but they tell me to get better soon so that they can try and put me into another test group asap. The food delivery is organic, nutritious, tastes great, and I'm so grateful.
My expectations were too high. After 6 hours, I don't see any improvement:
I am supposed to take the Keflex 3 times a day. The crazy thought occurs to me that if I take the other two pills now, won't I get better faster? My boyfriend has to restrain me and talk some sense into me. My sister tells me that I need to space out medication so I can have a steady state in my bloodstream - Keflex and Mupirocin every 8 hours, Bactrim every 12 hours.
I need to learn patience. I feel severely depressed thinking about the ER bill. Is my health worth spending thousands? Tens of thousands?
I realize my actor's income is not supporting the type of life that I want, and it hasn't been for a long, long time now. My sister emails me and tells me she cares about me and wants me to take better care of myself. She says that I really should get a job so I can get health insurance. At the hospital, she has seen unforeseen health circumstances wipe out people's entire savings.
I realize she's right.
I graduated early with a Bachelor's and Master's from MIT in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and I used to work at Apple as an International Software Support Engineer - but I left it all to be an actor. My sister says I have great qualifications, and she can help me look for a tech job.
Something has to change. I start reevaluating my life and reflecting on my past seven years as an actor...
I came down to LA to pursue a dream, and have been on a journey of self-discovery ever since - I've learned so much about myself and grown so much as a person. Acting allowed me to discover my real passion in life, writing.
I realize that my actor's journey was my Homer's Odyssey, and that every struggle, every trial, every tribulation was meant to cultivate me into the person that I am now. I have reached the end of my journey - I left as a naive child and I am returning as a wiser, stronger adult.
A beacon now shines on the multifaceted life that I really want - a balance of both my right and left brains - consisting of a stable corporate career with an accomplished writing career.
My intuition confirms with a small but still, Yes!
I am so grateful for this health crisis. I couldn't move on to the next phase of my life until my world got turned upside-down...
One of my main motivations to get a high-paying job is to be able to order the Paleta food delivery service. Ha ha! For 1200 calories, I get 3 meals and a snack - pure, natural, organic, healthy, wholesome meals that are so much tastier and more varied than I could ever cook on my own (I don't really like to cook). I decide to order another week's worth of food on my own dime. It's not cheap though, and I cannot wait to get a job so that I don't have to stress out about money anymore.
I take a picture of my first paid meal so I can pay proper tribute in Photoshop. I know this food will nourish my body back to health!
Super yummy and healthy!!! If anyone decides to order Paleta because of my blog, please mention my name (Chyna Chuu) so that I can get a free meal! Thanks! (^__^)
DAY 15: THE DAY OF MANY FACES (DAY 2 OF MEDS)
Today is my second day on medication. I couldn't sleep last night - the itching, stinging, and painful swelling were unbearable. My boyfriend tries to be the ever attentive caretaker 24/7, making me cold compresses, giving me massages, and encouraging words.
I'm trying not to scratch and spread the bacteria but I want to claw my infected face off.
I can't wear my contacts or my glasses because of the rashes on my face. I'm blind, bored, and hurting. Thank goodness for mobile games, email, my boyfriend, and weight resistance exercises. I stumble upon an interesting observation about my listening comprehension - having blurry eyes makes my hearing worse. I didn't know I naturally relied so much on lip reading.
I spend a lot of time taking pictures and emailing them. My sister is the best remote doctor ever, and she spends a lot of time explaining, comforting, and advising me.
Since impetigo is contagious, I have to be diligent. I've never washed my hands so many times in one day. The skin between my fingers is beginning to crack. My sister says antibacterial soap and normal soap don't really differ, as long as you rub your hands vigorously for 20 seconds. My boyfriend does the laundry, and washes my pillowcase, clothes, and towels in a separate load.
The medications help the swelling. I can actually feel the fluid dissipating when I go to sleep - as soon as I rest my head on my elevated pillow, I feel a tingling, prickly, draining sensation around my cheek and sinus areas. I ask my boyfriend if there is pus dripping down my face, and he says no. I'm shocked. The fluid movement must be happening internally, not externally on my skin. It's a trippy feeling. I research facial edema.
I call this "The day of many faces," because my face literally MORPHS over the span of one day. I already forgot what I used to look like, but this was getting ridiculous. Every glance in the mirror revealed a new ghastly atrocity I was never quite prepared for.
5:19 am
It's been a day since the ER pic. My swelling has gone down a lot.
FOTM (Face of the moment): Fat, sad puppy.
9:34 am
I don't look sad. My features are usually downturned from the swelling.
FOTM: Androgynous sumo wrestler.
3:26 pm
The crusts are starting to turn into dry skin (hence the white areas).
FOTM: Wizened, ornery owl.
6:56 pm
The fluid seems to be moving downwards. My face is now a square.
FOTM: Lecherous drunk.
I'm getting new symptoms. I find these new rashes or pimples on my jawline - all the way across my chin and to the other side. Crap. I hope the infection isn't spreading.
I still can't sleep because of the itching at nights. I don't want to take Advil and load my body with more medicine. I don't like to take medication to begin with.
I am able to force off the last of the giant hard crusts. My face still feels like sandpaper. The dead skin that I wash off my face is a light brownish color. I am still leaking pus during the day, and I have to wash off new fresh crusts every night.
I read of other people's nightmare impetigo stories, where they either don't respond to the medication or they have flareups their entire lives. OMG. I'm grateful my medication is helping.
My pink neck is not going away. I like that the itchiness in my neck flares up just as I'm going to sleep. Thanks, neck! I wonder if I'm scratching my face in my sleep and spreading the bacteria to my neck and other parts of my body.
I'm getting new red marks on my forearms.
A mark above my eye is getting more red.
I am not a happy camper.
I don't know why my itching is worse at nights. My boyfriend googles and finds that it's mostly kids who have trouble with itching at nights because they don't have distractions.
I'm starting to see a pattern. I think God's trying to tell me something:
- I get a skin infection that's mostly found in babies and children
- I'm itchy at nights because I have the mindset of a child who doesn't have anything else to focus on
- I had a recent voiceover evaluation where the teacher wrote, "You naturally sound like a kid. Your marketable vocal age range is 10 to 14."
Oh boy.
DAY 17: DAY 4 OF MEDS
My face is actually looking pretty good today. There is a noticeable improvement after I wash my face in the morning:
I could eke out a small smile.
FOTM: Hopeful!
The rashes on my jawline are getting more raised and scabby.
My face at its best time of the day: 5:26 pm, 7 hours after I put on the cream, and 7 hours after I take the antibiotics.
I begin to suspect that the topical creme, Mupirocin, is irritating my skin. My skin is thin and sensitive to begin with, and I feel to a certain extent since the crusts are gone, the bacteria is gone and I just need to heal.
I decide to document it with pictures:
After washing my face. After Mupirocin.
I form a theory as to why my neck is pink - because I can't lean my face over the sink, I have been washing my face upright and the Mupirocin is dripping down and irritating my neck.
I email my sister the pictures. Since it's been 3 full days of meds so far, she thinks it's safe for me to stop the topical antibiotic. The oral antibiotics should be good enough. Sweet!
No more Mupirocin for me - I have done 3.5 days of it (the prescribed duration is 7 days). My sister recommends that I just wash without putting on moisturizer. She says the less I do to my skin the better, but if I really want to put on moisturizer, then I should first try it on a test area. I just feel like my skin is so dry and needs some help, so I put aloe vera gelly all over my face.
My sister recommends for me to see her friend's sister, who is a renowned dermatologist south of LA. I feel like I am healing and don't need to spend the extra money.
My friend mentions that I should eat yogurt since antibiotics kill all the bacteria in your system, good and bad. Ugh. Why did the ER doctors not mention that to me? I read online that it is common to get a Candida infection because my good bacteria isn't there to balance it out.
I decide to eat a yogurt every day from now on. I find a Fage 2% with Strawberry that I bought the boyfriend in the fridge. After eating clean Paleta food for the past three weeks, the yogurt is sickeningly sweet - but because it's helping me heal my digestive balance, it tastes effin' delicious.
DAY 18: DAY 5 OF ORAL MEDS (NO MORE MUPIROCIN)
I can't sleep for more than a couple of hours each night. My face and neck are crazy itchy. Now when I scratch my face, I can feel the hard, dry skin sloughing off. It's like an epidermis graveyard on my shirt in the mornings. I know I can't be guaranteed of being infection-free until after the entire duration of antibiotics, but I feel like the impetigo is gone.
My skin is getting better except for certain areas.
The rashes underneath my nose are getting worse.
The skin around my eyes is getting really red, dry, and scaly.
I wash my face and use the aloe vera gelly moisturizer. It stings and I'm paranoid that I'm damaging my fragile skin.
I google for post-impetigo skin care, or skin care during healing, but no one mentions what to do about dry skin.
I find a free Ask-A-Doctor website called HealthTap (the other websites charge you to see the answer you get from the doctor). My question is limited to a certain number of characters or else I have to pay 99 cents. Surprisingly, after twenty minutes, I get a response!
Phew, the aloe gelly is fragrance-free. I ask my sister if she thinks my impetigo is completely resolved. She doesn't think so because my face hasn't cleared up.
At night, I always have a hard time falling asleep. I notice that I've lost a lot of hair during this experience. I give myself a relaxing scalp massage, trying to send good jujus to encourage hair growth when I realize I have pockets of fluid UNDERNEATH MY SCALP. EW. WTF.
As I gently press on a swollen pocket near the back of my head, I feel an INSTANT sensation in my cheeks - that weird tingling prickly sensation I used to think was fluid draining. Now I suspect that every time I lie down to go to sleep, the pillow compresses the fluid in the back of my head and forces the fluid to surrounding areas, causing phantom tingles around my face.
Now to test my hypothesis:
I lift my head off the pillow. No face tingles.
I lay my head down on the pillow. Instant tingles on my cheek and hotness near my temple, another fluid-filled area.
Scientific experiment successful!
I research lymphatic draining. I find a website that shows the lymph node mappings in the head - some correspond to the areas where I found fluid! I follow their instructions on how to give myself a lymphatic draining massage.
DAY 19: DAY 6 OF ORAL MEDS
My face is steadily improving! I don't quite recognize myself yet and I'm not sure why. I look at old photos and realize my normal face is sunken in at my eye sockets - currently my upper eyelids and undereyes are still puffy.
FOTM: Planet of the Apes Inhabitant.
My skin is starting to feel smooth in some areas! Yay!
I use Q-tips to gently press on key acupoints in my face to try and encourage lymphatic draining. It's Sunday. I start thinking about two events I could possibly make now that I am healing: my friend's wedding in NY on Friday (that I already bought the plane tickets for) and a 3-day commercial I booked shooting next Monday.
I'm giddy. At night I tell my boyfriend, "I love medicine! This is the magic of modern medicine!"
Oh. How those words will come to bite me HARD in the @ss in two days.(>__<)
DAY 20: DAY 7 OF ORAL MEDS
My neck is so itchy that it's red and stinging because I've been scratching it all night. My forearm rashes seem to have gotten worse. But IMHO, my face seems to be cleared of the impetigo, leaving behind super dry and flaky skin. I read online that a reddened face is typical of the healing process, and it can clear in days or weeks.
I can totally return to normal in time to make my friend's wedding in five days and shoot my commercial next week! Joy!
I can totally return to normal in time to make my friend's wedding in five days and shoot my commercial next week! Joy!
Mental note to save myself from unnecessary grief: Never count my chickens before the dang things hatch. Just don't do it.
Today is the first day I can put in my contacts because I can push open my swollen eyelids just enough to fit in the contact. My upper eyelids are still puffy.
Woo hoo! Bionic Eyes! How I have missed having 20/20 vision! I use my upgraded peepers to search for full-time jobs. I remember that I had gotten a random email from a Google recruiter a couple of weeks ago, saying she found me via some MIT publications and she wanted to know what I had been up to. The timing is just so fortuitous! I email her back. I want a job similar to my old Apple job where I don't have to be an engineer, but I can draw on my technical abilities and work with different departments. Google has an Associate Product Manager position I'm excited about. Job hunting is a little intimidating because I don't quite know what positions/industries I'm interested in/fit for - I feel like I'm stumbling down a dark hallway covered with light switches, hoping to blindly find the few that will light my path...
DAY 21: DAY 8 OF ORAL MEDS
My neck is super itchy today. My face is a little less swollen but it's looking more red.
10:34 pm
I have always had bumps on my forearms, but there are some new ones. O.M.G.
My sister recommends for me to go to the dermatologist tomorrow. I tell her I'm going to put Mupirocin on my forearms and neck and see what happens. The Mupirocin stings my neck.
I try to go to sleep, but I'm itchy all over for some reason. I email my commercial shoot about my condition, and how I may or may not heal in 6 days time. I tell them it would be best for them to find a replacement. I don't want to push it and cause them to scramble last-minute. I'm sad to lose out on the income.
DAY 22: SUDDEN BODY RASH / DAY 9 OF ORAL MEDS
I can't sleep. I get up around 6 am because my right hip is itchy. I feel two insect bites, similar to a spider bite. I ask my boyfriend to take a look at my hip. He goes, "Oh my god..."
I don't just have a bite on my hip. I have faint pink bumps trailing down my leg... Down my other leg... On my back... On my groin... Both sides of my waist...
6:22 am
My boyfriend can't believe it. All he knows is that I've been scratching a LOT. It's true - I thought I was in the end stages of healing, and I got lax about not scratching. While he researches online, I email pictures to my sister. They look like red bumps with white rings.
My boyfriend says it could be bed bugs on the futon but there are so many different causes of red bumps. I have been sleeping on the futon for about a week and a half. The mattress is ten years old and has never been washed. If there are bed bugs why would they attack me all of a sudden?
I have bumps that are in rows of 2 or 3 - a tell-tale sign of bed bug bites - but then there are singular spots as well. The surface area is so large that it just doesn't seem likely. I pore over my sleeping area - I don't see any mites or bed bugs or droppings. I look up scabies and other possibilities - sometimes the pictures are so graphic they make me queasy.
My boyfriend asks me if my tongue is coated. It does seem coated, and I can't scrape it off with my toothbrush.
My sister says I could have thrush, which is candida of the tongue, but it's hard to tell from a 2D picture. Curses! Maybe I didn't start the yogurt soon enough!
I also research online that it could be another bacterial infection nicknamed "hot water rash." The bumps in the picture resemble mine. Sigh.
My sister recommends me to call the dermatologist when they open at 9 and to try and get an appointment. She doesn't think it's an emergency unless I have trouble breathing or swelling or sores inside my mouth.
I call the dermatology office. "This number is not a working number." wth? Maybe they disconnect their phone during off-hours?
They don't open for another two hours. My boyfriend tells me to try and take a rest. I'm all freaked out because I thought I was close to recovery and now this seems to be something different. I change my clothes, move to the bed (I had quarantined myself to the futon) and close my eyes.
It's 9 am. The bumps seem to be getting smaller, but my face and neck rashes are getting really bad. Even if the bumps are from bed bugs, I still want to get my neck checked out just for my own peace of mind.
The dermatology office's phone still doesn't work. I message them on their Facebook page.
A girl calls me back and my phone goes straight to voicemail - their phone is being upgraded and should work in a couple of hours. She'll call me back later. Thanks, AT&T. I message her again on Facebook telling her to please call me back again.
I get an appointment for 11:45 am. I eat breakfast, take both my antibiotics, and head out the door. I stop by a Chevron station since I don't have enough gas to make it to Redondo Beach. It's my first time in public in a long time, and I feel really self-conscious with my marred appearance. I pull up to a pump. "Out of service." Great. I back up to the other pump. "Please pay inside."
I walk over to the other pumps since I really don't want to face a cashier. It also reads, "Please pay inside." I see a cleaning lady walk out towards the pumps.
She waves her hands at me and says, "Nothing!"
Huh? I ask her, "Do I have to pay inside?"
She says, "Not working!"
"What?"
"The gas doesn't work. Go somewhere else!"
I take a deep breath. It's just going to be one of dem days.
On my drive down, it's easy to notice that my rashes are multiplying. Sigh. These are no bed bug bites.
Forearm.
Thigh.
I get to the dermatologist's office and there are other people in the small waiting room. I sit on the edge of the couch and try to pretend I'm invisible.
Here I am, Rashy Rashonda, with my exposed rashy face and neck, surrounded by Healthy Heathers seeking cosmetic enhancements. Sigh.
All I can think of is, It sucks to be sick. I totally took my good health for granted before. It truly is a luxury not to have any health issues. I vow to be more loving towards myself and not stress over stupid, small, trivial issues.
I am escorted into a room by the nurse, who interrogates me and punches all the info into an iPad. I tell her I'm currently on Keflex 500 mg three times a day, Bactrim twice a day, and was on Mupirocin. I get undressed and put on the gown. Wow. I have three times as many bumps as I did last night.
The dermatologist can finally see me. She extends her hand out in a handshake, and I flinch. "I don't want to infect you."
She smiles, "Oh no, it's okay." She shakes my hand. Hmm. Maybe she can already tell I don't have something infectious?
She asks me about my rash progression. I tell her about my pink neck on day 2, how I stopped Mupirocin on day 4, my scratching, etc. She asks if she can see my rash before I went to the ER. I bust out my phone and go, "I have a TON of pictures."
She browses through my pictures. She looks at the rashes on my body, and then says, "You are getting these rashes because you're allergic to the antibiotics!"
WHAT?!! F M L!
She says, "I see allergies to antibiotics a lot. I was confused because you said you were taking two antibiotics together. It is really extreme for them to prescribe you two at once. Usually they only prescribe one."
I exclaim, "But I thought one of them is for MRSA!"
She says, "It can treat staph as well. What's done is done. This rash is because you're allergic to one of the antibiotics - we don't know which one, and it doesn't matter. You're to stop taking them immediately."
"I've been taking them for eight full days! How come it took so long to show up?"
She says, "It takes the body some time to adjust. I'm going to prescribe you prednisone - it's a corticosteroid and it'll slow down your immune system. Your body has a lot of inflammation right now - that's why you are swollen, that's why you have the rash."
Sigh. I get impetigo, take their (heavy-handed) antibiotics for my face, have an allergic reaction, and now I have to take steroids because my entire body is in trouble. Great.
I ask, "So what about my impetigo? Is my face healing?"
"I can't tell for sure if it's gone since your face is indeed going through some type of healing, but it's compounded by the allergic reaction. We'll swab your face and do a culture test. The results will be back in a week. You can still use the Mupirocin on parts with broken skin if you want."
"But I think the Mupirocin made my skin red."
She shakes her head. Hmm. I was doing Mupirocin and Keflex on the same schedule. Maybe I'm allergic to Keflex.
She asks me about my skin care regimen, and says we're going to simplify it by using "Ser-a-vey" foaming facial wash and moisturizing cream, since my face is so dry. She is going to give me samples, and I can buy the full-size versions at her office, or I can buy them at CVS. I've never heard of "Ser-a-vey." It sounds like an expensive French brand.
I ask her about showering, and she says I can just shower as normal. Wash my face twice a day. She asks if I'm itchy. I reply, "I'm not itchy right now. But I did use to wake up scratching my neck at night."
She says, "Okay, then I'm going to prescribe you atarax, it's to help the itching, and it'll make you drowsy, so you can help sleep at night. It's like Benadryl."
"When will I see results? Can I stop taking the medications if I get better before 16 days?"
She is emphatic. "You should see results in two days, but you can't go cold turkey off prednisone. You have to go the whole way because withdrawal can cause complications. That's why I'm starting you at 40 mg, and you will taper off in dosage gradually."
She gives me a warm, encouraging smile and says the comforting words that every patient wants to hear...
"Don't worry, we'll make you feel better, okay?"
Diagnosis: Allergy to Antibiotics (either Keflex or TMP/Bactrim)
Treatment: Stop antibiotics immediately.
Corticosteroid:
- Prednisone (take for 16 days)
40 mg once a day for 4 days
30 mg once a day for 4 days
20 mg once a day for 4 days
10 mg once a day for 4 days
Antihistamine:
- Atarax/Hydroxyzine (90 tablets)
Take a 25 mg tablet three times a day as needed
I am just overwhelmed with gratitude as I get dressed. I have a followup exam with her in a week.
As I'm driving home, it all begins to make sense. My body had shown gradual signs of being allergic to the antibiotics:
* Day 2 of Meds - Neck turned pink, swollen, and itchy
* Day 3 of Meds - Small red bumps appeared on my forearm
* Day 5 of Meds - Excessive fluid remained even after my impetigo seemed to go away (because my immune system sensed that there was still an "infection" from the antibiotics!! Urg!!)
My poor immune system.
The bumps decide to suddenly become itchy while I'm waiting for my prescriptions to be filled at CVS, especially around my waist. I'm trying not to scratch and disgrace myself in public. The pharmacist takes a look at me and my prescription and goes, "Bad case of the allergies, huh?"
"Yep. To antibiotics! Can you believe it?"
He tsk tsks in sympathy. "That sucks."
I buy a bottle of water because I want to down my meds immediately. The itching is making me jittery. My name is finally called. Hallelujah!
I am in line behind a woman who is picking up her prescription and ringing up a ton of other items. She just so happens to be a Chatty Cathy - chat chat chat - initiating idle banter with the pharmacist. Chat chat chat with no cares in the world...
My 'roid rage flares up (even though I haven't taken them yet) and I fight the urge to drop her with a roundhouse kick. The pharmacist politely rushes her because he sees me out of the corner of his eye.
I have to answer informational questions before he hands over my prednisone. I fire off my answers like a machine gun. Give. Me. My. Pills. Give them to me now!!!
I grab my meds and run to a waiting area. I down my 4 prednisone tablets. My nose wrinkles in disgust at the overwhelming bitterness. "Ew~"
A woman sitting near me chuckles softly. "I didn't think it would taste so bad." I try to seem normal. I hope she doesn't think I'm a junkie. I pick up my atarax, gulp one down, and find the CeraVe for $15 cheaper than at the dermatologist's office.
Now that I know I don't have another infection, I run some errands. I stop by the pet store to pick up some salt licks and hay, and I see the cashier studying me. He's a laidback guy who is always friendly to me. I just know he's going to say something. He musters up a timid, "...Sunburn?" I briefly fill him in. "That sucks. Hope you feel better." His rugged exterior masks his tender heart.
I stop by Trader Joe's. Aah. How I miss perusing the grocery aisles.
The meds are already helping with the itchiness, and I jump in the shower to cool my body down. There are more bumps.
I'm so glad I went to see the dermatologist when I did - if I had gone earlier, I wouldn't have shown evident signs of an allergic reaction. I didn't even have the normal listed side effects from the antibiotics. My sister says maybe if I had gone earlier, the doctor would have told me to just take one of the meds.
I've never taken antibiotics, and I have to find out the hard way that I'm allergic to either TMP (Bactrim) or Keflex (which is similar to penicillin, something I can check for in a skin allergy test).
Waist.
Neck.
Forearm.
Back.
I didn't know an allergic reaction could look like this.
My grateful mood fades once I start doing research online to Bactrim and Keflex allergies. Yikes. Allergic reactions occur in about 3% of patients and can be life-threatening. One severe drug allergy called Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome causes large SHEETS of your skin to FALL OFF, opening up the body for further infection. OMG?!
I ask my sister if she's seen patients with Stevens-Johnsons at the ER. She says she has and it's scary looking. WOW. I could never be a doctor.
I'm totally freaking out. I read that if I had taken the antibiotics for longer, I could have suffered from organ damage. Who knows - they could have caused damage already. The Keflex article mentions that a metabolism defect is suspected as the cause of sulfa drug sensitivity (Bactrim is a sulfa drug), where symptoms show up after 8 days. I can totally believe that I have a metabolism defect - my hands and feet are always cold and my circulation isn't good.
This unexpected allergic reaction is why I'm scared to take medication - even at the dermatologist's office, I asked her if there were side effects to the medications she was prescribing, and she said, "Every medication has side effects." I email my siblings about the utter irony of me declaring my love for modern medicine a few days ago. I'm having an "I hate antibiotics" moment.
My sister tells me that I can't trust everything I read online, my metabolism has served me fine until now, and that the antibiotics did clear up my impetigo.
I raid the fridge for the first time in a long time. Simple carbs make me feel better. Or maybe they make me feel worse. It's hard for me to accept that I'm sick with something else and have to recuperate all over again. I wish I could give my immune system a hug and expel the antibiotics from my system.
My boyfriend and I have a discussion about the medical industry and the link with pharmaceuticals - why did the ER doctors prescribe me two medications to take at once when normally one would suffice? To fill a med quota with Big Pharma? To be efficient because it's easier to send me home with two so I don't have to come back and try the other one?
I don't really blame doctors or the way that the medical industry is set up - how would they know that I'm going to have an allergic reaction until I actually try the medication? It's a very reactive process, but also a dangerous one because my body is not a testing ground and I do not want to be a guinea pig. I can name so many pharmaceutical commercials where the voiceover will casually mention "can cause death and suicidal tendencies." Really? From an asthma medication?
My friend says she had a mild staph infection and she was prescribed tetracycline, and her sister, who had a worse case, was prescribed Cipro. She's confused as to why I was prescribed two.
Oh well. I'm not going to think about the possible damage to my body from the antibiotics. I'm glad that the dermatologist was able to help me and I don't have to take them anymore.
Hopefully the prednisone and atarax won't give me any issues. They already are drastically helping my swelling - 90% of the fluid around my face, neck, scalp are gone. My hair starts to feel more natural. It had been feeling like a dead wig, but now I can feel each strand moving - maybe my nerve signals weren't transmitting properly because my scalp was swollen.
9:30pm
My face is less puffy.
I didn't know allergic reactions could look like this.
The bumps are just so linear.
There's no way I can make it to my friend's wedding in three days. Sigh. I cancel my ticket, pay a $100 penalty fee, and get the rest in a credit that expires in a year. The commercial shoot gets back to me and tells me that the shoot has been postponed TBD due to script changes, and they hope I'll be back to normal by the time the date is finalized. Yay!
For the first time in a long time, my face and neck aren't itchy, which means they were symptoms of my allergies and had been clouding my impetigo recovery observations.
I start doing some light lower body exercises like kicks and squats and I'm feeling good! I am supposed to take one atarax three times as needed. It's 10:30 pm, and I'm starting to feel mildly itchy. I take an atarax, and head to bed.
DAY 23: THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT / DAY 2 PREDNISONE
I can't sleep at all. The atarax is supposed to make me drowsy and relieve my itch, and it ain't doin' either. The itchiness is becoming unbearable. I'm covered in bumps, and every single bump is screaming to be scratched.
Even though it's only 3:30 am, I take another atarax. I know I didn't wait the normal 8 hours, but I need some help. My condition gets worse:
New bumps keep appearing
My ears swell, and turn super hot and red. It's painful to touch them. My neck and face feel hot and feverish. The rash spreads on my neck.
My lips get swollen
My throat has mild difficulty swallowing. I have dry mouth. My sister says as long as I don't have difficulty breathing, it's not serious, so I should just wait and call the dermatologist when they open.
Sigh. It's serious to me... This whole experience has taught me that swelling and fever are warning signs...
I call the dermatologist's assistant and she tells me the rash has to get worse before it can get better. The dermatologist gets on the phone and tells me to trust in the medication and to give it time. But I trusted in the antibiotics...
I tell her I think I may be having a bad reaction to the atarax - it doesn't seem to be working as prescribed on me and could be making my condition worse. She says the atarax should be fine and that I may not be taking a strong enough dosage. She actually recommends for me to take 3 tablets at a time, 3 times a day if I want.
Take even more pills? All I know is, before I took the dosage of atarax at 10:30 pm, I felt great. I do some quick research, and find that atarax is also prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication? WTF? It can also cause rashes, mostly in female patients.
Perhaps prednisone is the one that really works. If atarax is just to help with itching, I'd rather not take it at all. The fewer medications in my body right now, the better.
I decide to do a test - I am only going to take prednisone today, and see what happens at night.
The rashes are spreading in surface area, but these friendlies seem to be just out for display and not to instigate any itch rallies:
Thigh.
Forearm.
On my finger webbings.
Back.
My facial swelling is really going down.
DAY 24: DAY 3 PREDNISONE
I'm liking the CeraVe foaming facial cleanser. The moisturizing cream kind of sits on my face, but I'm not complaining - there's so much improvement in my face today!!! Yippee!!
The prednisone really seems to be working. I wasn't itchy at all last night. I do some research and find out prednisone suppresses my immune system - which is helpful for inflammation, but puts me at higher risk to get sick with something else.
As a corticosteroid, it messes with my metabolism - common side effects include hunger, weight gain, abdominal fat, and something called a "cushingoid appearance," which is a round face and stomach. Cushing sounds so much like cushion. OMG! I don't want to look and feel like upholstery!
Great. My last day of 1200 calorie Paleta meals comes tonight. I'm feeling unprepared to forage for food because I haven't had a chance to stock the fridge. I'm scared to have freedom with my food choices.
The rashes continue to spread outwards to my extremities. Red polka dots decorate the tops of my feet.
My new resident manager stops by my apartment with issues. My stress levels surge through the roof. I have been living in my apartment peacefully for 7 years, but for some reason the past two months have been a dramafest of eviction threats and scare tactics. Sigh. I don't know why this is all happening. Perhaps another divine sign that my status quo must change.
My boyfriend gives me a massage and he happily tells me that all my body rashes are smooth now. I take that as a good sign. I adore massages. I revel in blissful relaxation and temporarily forget that I've ever been sick.
DAY 25: DAY 4 PREDNISONE
I find a sore in my mouth. My sister says to keep an eye on it and to let her know if more pop up.
I read that mouth ulcers/sores can be a side effect of prednisone.
The prednisone prescription information advises to take the dosage before 9 am, and I remember the dermatologist telling me to take my one dosage when I wake up. I've been taking my pills at 1 pm, because that's when I first ingested them at the pharmacy. I email my sister. At first she tells me to stick to every 24 hours. But then she emails me again and tells me to slowly push my dosage earlier and earlier. The earlier I take the pills, the less likely they can suppress my adrenals and cause possible side effects. Sigh. I bump up my dosage today to 10:30 am.
I rethink my plan of having a full-time job so that I can pay for Paleta and bring my meals to work. I realize the disruptive late night deliveries would negatively impact my job performance. Time for Plan B...
My health has been making me feel so helpless and I'm tired of feeling that way. I can make Paleta on my own terms! I need to learn how to feed myself!
I know this health crisis has divinely dealt to me so I can learn to grow up, so I put on my big girl bloomers and set my high-capacity brain to task!
I want an at home meal plan that:
- Requires as little cooking as possible. I love baking, but I hate cooking. I have no interest in basting, roasting, grilling, etc. If I can buy things precooked at Trader Joe's that satisfy my caloric and sodium restrictions, then I'm golden! I spend a lot of time perusing online calorie information.
- Saves money. The cheapest Paleta plan costs $46/day. Their high-quality ingredients are prepared by gourmet chefs, but the cost of one week is only a little bit less what I spend normally in a month on food.
- Hits nutritional stats. I think I have a general idea of the foods I should and shouldn't be eating.
Aaah!! It was such a breath of fresh air to allow my brain to go to work on a problem that didn't have to do with my health. I think I'm mentally intuitive, and my brain likes to naturally process a million bits of information at once, occasionally interjecting helpful, complete thoughts out of nowhere. When I do research into a problem, I call it "nashing" (I named my behavior after John Nash) because I like to find patterns amidst the chaos.
For breakfast I MacGyver an omelet together while nashing. Eureka! I am able to fulfill all three of my requirements! The only thing I need to cook is the omelet in the morning and everything else can be precooked! Armed with my grocery list, I head to Trader Joe's to buy my meal components.
I plate my 3 meals for the day, bust out my Excel spreadsheet, and spend hours lovingly making this graphic in Photoshop:
I'm really proud of myself. I have meal alternatives lined up so that I can have some variation. The reason I joined the fitness program was because I really didn't know how to make proper food choices, but now I know - I can do it!
My cheeks get rosy at nights. I chalk it up to the prednisone wearing off.
For the past two days, I have been feeling constant pressure around my eyebrows all day, which increases when I lie down. My eye area also mildly itches. Hmm.
I take my prednisone at 9 am and the dosage is down to the second phase now - 30 mg. Woo hoo!
My face is entirely smooth when I wash my face. No sandpaper, no dry skin, no raised rashes. It's the first time that my face has felt normal in a long time. I tear up.
My rashes are spreading out and fading to a mottled purplish-red.
Forearm.
I put on SPF, wear my visor, and drive around running errands. I don't feel confident yet in my recovery to take an exposed walk in the sun. One daily side effect with prednisone is that I get nausea - sudden waves that stop me in my tracks, usually occurring around mid-afternoon.
My previously sparse eyebrow hairs seem to be regrowing. I lost a lot of eyelashes and eyebrow hair from the impetigo. Maybe hair growth is why I'm feeling the pressure and itching on my brow line?
My body has also been under a lot of stress, and with the added cortisol from the prednisone, has probably added some extra girth to my belly. I tend to put on subcutaneous fat around my middle, which is not healthy because that could mean I have a lot of dangerous visceral fat wrapped around my organs. Fat cells - possible storage areas for toxins - produce leptin, a hunger-regulating hormone. Too many fat cells can lead to leptin resistance.
I think I've devoured every food and fitness-related book at my library. I'm always fascinated by the latest neurological, psychological, environmental, physiological, or hormonal discoveries and how they impact weight loss and diet efforts.
DAY 27: DAY 6 PREDNISONE
I'm pretty sure I've gained at least five pounds. I decide to take my measurements and weigh myself. OMG. Not only are my measurements smaller, I've lost 1.7% body fat, and I'm the lightest I've been in years. I know my clean, nutritiously balanced diet had to do a lot with it.
My friend's husband tells me that it's standard in Poland for doctors to advise patients to eat yogurt with antibiotics. His dad had been on a strong dosage of antibiotics, didn't eat yogurt (because he didn't believe in that "scientific stuff") and had gotten a yeast infection. I'm so grateful my friend had told me to eat yogurt to replenish the good bacteria in my system.
I used to avoid yogurt because I thought the sugar and dairy would make me fat, but I was just being stupid. A well-functioning digestive system plays a major role in keeping my body healthy. I *heart* my good gut flora! Yogurt will be a fixture in my daily diet from now on.
I find out my Google Associate Product Manager position is a two-year training program only available in Mountain View or New York. It is a rare opportunity because other companies require extensive work experience for Product Managers. The Google recruiter tells me she'll pass on my information to the Venice location recruiter for any other possible fits. My heart was set on that position - I don't want a coding job where I'm stuck in a cubicle and I don't get to utilize my interpersonal skills. I'm bummed out.
My brother-in-law suggests looking into consulting companies, who seek good problem solvers and will usually train extensively. Consulting? I've never known what consulting was. I look up one company that is located ten minutes away - their recruitment process consists of them getting to know me as a person and looking for certain character traits. Ooh! I love to research, work in teams, am highly empathetic, and love to resolve issues - consulting may be my field! I can't wait until I heal and can actively start interviewing.
I send an email to Paleta thanking them for their food, which played such a vital role in my recovery. Their executive chef is a cancer survivor and nutrition drives their company mission. It takes 21 days to form a new habit. I've learned so much about wholesome, clean food and how good it can make me feel. After trying every diet out there, thanks to this experience, I have finally found a satisfying, sustainable way to eat for the rest of my life.
I feel blessed for so many reasons.
My eye was especially itchy last night after I took a walk to Trader Joe's at 7 pm. I wake up because I'm scratching it.
I look in the mirror and find an unwelcome surprise - my left eye has two red stripes - one streaked across my upper eyelid, and the other one encircling my undereye, which is swollen and flaking. I look like I got punched. My right undereye is slightly swollen.
Sigh. My eyes didn't look like this last night. I don't like symptoms that pop up out of nowhere.
I have my followup exam with the dermatologist tomorrow, and I was looking forward to showing her a huge transformation. I contemplate moving my exam to today because I'm starting to get paranoid and factor in all the other little things I've been ignoring lately - like small itchy white bumps around my left eye and in the middle of my forehead.
My boyfriend thinks the swelling could be from me scratching, or I could have gotten sunburned because we took a drive down to Torrance yesterday and it was really sunny. Hmm. But the other parts of my face seem fine.
I decide to put aloe vera around my eye and ice the area. The ice significantly reduces the swelling.
I take my prednisone at 9 am, and within half an hour, the redness and swelling are not as noticeable. When prescribed at higher levels than the body's hormone levels, the drug suppresses inflammation because the body stops or reduces levels of production.
I suspect my body is getting dependent on the prednisone. I wish I could stop cold turkey without finishing the rest of my pills, but withdrawal symptoms are no joke.
More research reveals that prednisone can reactivate inactive cases of tuberculosis.
As an adult taking prednisone, if I get chickenpox or measles it could be fatal. Fatal? I can't remember if I ever had the chickenpox as a kid. My boyfriend discloses that when I first got my body rash, he was scared it was chickenpox.
Prednisone can also mask signs of an infection.
I decide to stop researching because I'm getting stressed out. I'm going to hope for the best, and prescribe myself the only medication in the universe that has no side effects - a chill pill.
And in the next few hours, my life does a 360...
My old boss from Apple tells me there's an Engineering Project Manager job opening. They need to fill it and are interested in talking to me. Since I am not willing to move up to Cupertino full-time, they could hire me for about a few months and train me on the job. I would work with some of my old coworkers as an EPM - my first managerial position!
I call my old coworker, who says she has been passing around my resume, and my name came up when this position was being discussed. I would be working under her department for four months.
She would like me to start as soon as I can - like in a week and a half!! She is 90% sure I have the job, and that she'll get final approval and get back to me tomorrow!!
Gasp! Double, triple gasp!!
I can't believe how my prayers are answered!
I wanted to learn about product management, but they all required prior work experience. I wanted a job like my old one at Apple because I loved the people and company. Now I'm moving back up north to work at Apple as a Project Manager and they're willing to train me!
I scour for an apartment up north with a short term lease and I find one that opens up in a week and fulfills all my wants!
The apartment I found is:
* 0.1 miles from Trader Joe's (A MUST!)
* Equipped with a fitness center
* 0.5 miles from my brother's place (that's totally walking distance!!)
* 1.6 miles from Apple!
* 0.3 miles from Aqui! I had eaten there and fallen in love with the fresh, organic Mexican food. I even emailed them a year ago to ask them if they were going to open up any locations in Los Angeles. Now my wish to live near an Aqui restaurant is coming true!!! Unbelieveable!
* 0.5 miles from a library
* 0.5 miles from a CVS
* Pet-friendly and would allow for me to bring my rabbit, Meow Meow, for a pet deposit and small monthly rent charge
Wow. This is all happening so fast!
Somehow my post-college apts all have similar surrounding neighborhoods of places I love - a Trader Joe's, a library, CVS, gym, and a major supermarket. I start thinking about the logistics of setting up camp and all the things I need to bring for four months.
The timing of it all is just so coincidental, which I always take as a sign that events were divinely orchestrated:
* The apartment opens up on May 8th, so I told Apple I could start May 9th.
* I didn't notice that May 9th also happens to be my last day of medication.
* The new apartment even looks eerily identical to the apartment I lived at when I worked at Apple.
My brother tells me I'm really lucky for the opportunity because Apple is willing to train me, and that it's all coming back full circle.
He's totally right. I am going back to the beginning, but I'm showing up as a different person.
Even my name returns to alpha - progressing from the Chian who went to MIT and worked at Apple, to the Hollywood actress Chyna, and now back to Chian. I used to be made fun of because of my ethnic name, but now I feel pride and a sense of identity. My parents named me "Chian Hue," and my name means "Thousand Intelligences."
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this entire experience. I feel so, so, so blessed.
My old boss tells me that he expects his 30% commission for hooking me up, ha ha! I told him I'm going to throw my paycheck up in the air and we'll both grab for it! He also said that he was cleaning out his desk two weeks ago and found my goodbye card from January 13, 2006 and that I haven't stopped by to say hello since! Ha ha! He's such an awesome guy!! Now I may see him in a week!
I was just praying for money last night and now I am starting a job in less than a week and a half! I can't believe what an incredible opportunity I am being given, and I thank my sister (who started all this by suggesting for me to find a job), my old boss, and of course, God, who continues to guide me with his infinite grace (I am deeply spiritual but not affiliated with any religion).
DAY 29: DAY 8 PREDNISONE
I wake up with swollen, itchy, red eyes. My face was a hotbed of activity last night:
- Constant pressure around my eyebrows that feels like low-voltage electrocution. My eyebrows will tingle every once in a while as if recovering from a numbing cream.
- Sensation of sharp pins and needles around random parts of my face, almost like dancing insects pricking me with knives.
I wonder if it's the CeraVe face wash or moisturizer, since I did read some accounts of people getting rashes from the moisturizer. My boyfriend notices that my neck is swollen. He thinks I should ask the dermatologist if the new symptoms could be from my lowered prednisone dosage.
My face is still itchy after I take the prednisone this morning. Urg.
Today is my followup exam with the dermatologist, Dr. Annie.
She is super relieved when she sees me. "Oh good, good! SO much improvement!"
I'm a little surprised by how relieved she seems.
She says, "I'm just so happy that you came to me when you did, because if you had waited any longer, you would have had to go to the emergency room. You had it bad!"
EXCUSE ME? I almost went to the emergency room AGAIN??!!!
She says, "Your reaction just came on so hard and fast!"
My jaw drops to the floor. I realize she withheld the gravitas of my situation last week.
I'm holding my head in disbelief. "Was it because of the dosage?"
Annie says, "No, it's not the dosage. It's just that your body is so allergic to one of the antibiotics. And because they prescribed you two, I don't know which one it is. But at least you know you definitely need to avoid BOTH Bactrim and Keflex. I can't know for sure, but I'm leaning towards Bactrim because it causes overall body rashes and flaking, and Keflex tends to cause hives."
I start crying a little bit because I can't believe how serious my allergic reaction was. All I can say is, "Oh my gosh... I can't thank you enough..."
"I'm just happy you came to see me when you did! You had a really bad case!" She starts tearing up. "I really think if you had waited any longer you would have had to go back to those stupid doctors at the ER who gave you those drugs and you have no health insurance and the emergency room is just so expensive!"
I feel like she's a protective older sister who wants to go beat up the ER doctors. She's been giving me discounts because I don't have health insurance. I am overwhelmed by her huge heart and I give her a big hug.
The preliminary reports from the culture swab come back negative. She says she'll call me in a couple of days with the final result, but most likely since there's no growth so far, it's pretty certain that I'm clear of the skin infection.
Phew.
I tell her, "I'm still having puffiness and itching at night. I don't know if it's because I tapered off into the second phase of prednisone or if it's the CeraVe."
She says, "That's still your immune system. It can take up to a month for your body to get rid of the antibiotics. I'll give you a hydrocortisone cream to use on your eyes at night to relieve the itching. I really would recommend for you to take the atarax at night because it does reset your system and calm it down a little bit."
She checks over my body and sympathetically clucks at my extremely dry elbows and forearms. I ask her if I can put CeraVe cream on them, and she says, "Yes, that would be perfect."
I give her a thank you card with a gift card and she says, "Why? That's so silly! You didn't have to, I'm just happy I could help you. I just wish you knew which antibiotic you were allergic to."
"Can't I test that in a skin allergy test?"
She shakes her head. "It's not that simple. They call it a 'drug challenge,' where they give you microdoses to see if it triggers the allergic reaction."
Rats. I was hoping the skin allergy test would give me some answers. I hope I'll never have to fill out another medical form again.
I ask her about my skin and she deftly answers them with expertise:
- The white spots that have appeared on my forehead and around my eyes are called keratosis, which are benign overgrowths commonly found in Asians. They can be easily burned off. The "stye" under my eye, which I have had for years, is actually a keratosis.
- The red "pimple" on the bridge of my nose that I had before I got sick is called an angiofibroma. Angiofibromas can be removed, but are hardy in nature, and would likely come back.
- The brown patch (where my original forehead wound was, and where I suspect was the initial infection site) is melasma, and can be treated temporarily with bleaching cream (but not now because my skin is way too sensitive). I ask her if I could remove it with microdermabrasion. She shakes her head. So basically I will have this discoloration for the rest of my life unless I constantly bleach it. The me from 30 days ago would have been depressed, but I'm totally fine with it. I've dodged too many bullets and I'm grateful just to have generally smooth and clear skin.
I ask her if the prednisone is suppressing my immune system and how long should I be on high-alert about having a weakened system...1 month, 2 months? I've been avoiding my apartment gym because it's a bit moldy. She replies that I'm not on a super strong dosage, so as soon as I'm done with the medication, I don't have to worry about it.
I ask her about sunscreen and she says that I should definitely wear sunscreen now, and just to make sure that it's physical sunscreen (i.e. the ingredients list zinc or titanium oxide). She says she'll call me in a week to follow up on the last phase of my medication so I don't have to pay for another followup exam.
I know for sure I would have ended up in the emergency room again had I not been in the incredibly capable hands of Dr. Annie Chiu of The Derm Institute, and I cannot thank her enough:
I get home and I get a call from the job! I was preparing for an interview, but it was to fill out paperwork! All systems are a go for the start date I suggested - May 9th! Apple hires temporary workers through this placement company, Advantis, so technically I'm working for Advantis as an on-site contractor for Apple. YAY!!!!
I'm elated until I get a phone call from Dr. Chiu. She tells me that the final results are in from the pathology report, and that they found scant growth of this "weird, funky, rare bacteria." She rattles off a long complicated-sounding name.
Another bacteria? This can't be happening! Sphingo what?
She thinks the bacteria is a contaminant. She says that she saw me today, and I looked great - I didn't have any symptoms from this bacteria, such as swelling, redness, or oozing. She's pretty sure it's nothing because the levels they detected were so incredibly low, but she's going to call and check in with me next week. If anything flares up, she can prescribe me specific antibiotics to treat this. She said she's going to email me the name of the bacteria.
I'm confused and angry. I want to move on with my life. I ask my boyfriend, "So last week my impetigo bacteria were gone, but this other bacteria was on my cheek? What if it's still on my face? I don't want to go on more antibiotics!"
My boyfriend says, "Well, technically the ER didn't swab you. How did they even know it's impetigo? Maybe this bacteria was what caused the infection all along."
That didn't even occur to me! It makes total sense because this bacteria has similar symptoms.
I email my sister. I call Dr. Chiu back and propose her the idea that this bacteria could have been what caused my infection and I may not be over it. She says, "No, because then you wouldn't have gotten better. The antibiotics you were prescribed would not treat this bacteria. This is just such a rare bacteria that's usually found in hospitals. You are fine, you're not showing any symptoms, like I said, I really think this is a contaminant."
The name of the bacteria is Sphingomonas paucimobilis. My sister confirms the same conclusion as Dr. Chiu: If this bacteria was on my face, then I would have shown symptoms similar to the impetigo, but I've been steadily improving everyday. This bacteria is usually found on hospital equipment, and my sister suspects that it was on the equipment of the lab that did my culture test.
I'm beyond relieved. I am so lucky to have two extremely skilled and caring doctors looking after me.
I don't take the atarax because my eyes are only mildly itchy. I dab the hydrocortisone cream around my eyes, and I sleep soundly through the night.
DAY 30: DAY 9 PREDNISONE
Well, friends, so concludes my 30-day staph story - I still have 7 more days to go on my prednisone, but the brunt of my illness is over - my face is feeling so smooth and my health is feeling great. The redness and swelling in my face are decreasing everyday. My body rashes are barely noticeable and fading fast.
I am so grateful for the support of my boyfriend, family, friends, Dr. Annie Chiu, karate teachers, and dojo members, who uplifted my spirits with their words of encouragement.
The past 30 days have profoundly changed my life - I have transformed not only physically, but emotionally, and mentally. I've gained a deeper relationship with my body, my dreams, and my family.
I've realized that life and health are too precious to take for granted - cherish each and every day with a loving, compassionate, and spiritual heart.
I can't believe how everything has magically fallen into place to lead me to a new and better life. In a week, I'm driving up with my rabbit, my home voiceover studio, and a brimming zest for life...
I've learned that I can't control what life will throw at me. Who knows where my life goes from here and what other challenging lessons may cross my path - after four months I may come back to LA, but I may not.
As long as I live sincerely, lovingly, and dedicated to being the best me I can be - that to me is a happy life! (^__^)
I hope my journal has helped someone out there. I wish you all health and happiness!
Update: May 15, 2019
I'm fully recovered and doing many things (balancing the full-time corporate job with acting, table tennis, karate, and animation). I've launched two YouTube channels - a cartoon channel (Peachy Egg) and a travel blog (two BIG bites)!
Search for "two BIG bites" on YouTube!
Best Restaurants Near Me: Hidden Gems Ep 1 (Prunedale Market)!
World Gyoza Eating Contest - Chestnut v Stonie v Breeden!
Skydiving World's Highest Tandem Jump in HD + Helpful TIPS
5 Reasons Why You Have to Visit Santa Cruz Boardwalk (+Secret to WIN TOYS)!
The Mystery Spot Full Tour - Mystery Explained!
$6,100 Corn Dog Eating Contest 2019!
Horseback Riding On the Beach in California | Horse Handling and Safety Tips!
Tasting the BEST snacks around the world - Episode 2!
Top 5 Things to do in San Diego (Eat, Play, Visit) - San Diego Travel Guide!
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2019!
Riding a Scooter HD POV on Mission Beach-Pacific Beach Boardwalk!
San Diego Zoo Tour - Cutest Animal Awards 2019!
SeaWorld San Diego Attractions (Dolphin Show + Sea Lions Live + Shark Tunnel) 2019
Diamond Head Crater Full Hike - Honolulu, Hawaii
Travel Tips - What I learned from my vacation to Honolulu Oahu
Polynesian Cultural Center Tour Canoe Celebration
Best Places to Eat - Top 10 Must Eats in Honolulu Waikiki Oahu!
Best places to eat and visit and stay in Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu - Hawaii Food and Travel Guide Tips
Peachy Special, a Peachy Egg cartoon channel series
Episode 4: Be Productive, Not Destructive (Unmotivated, angry, and depressed, Mr. Tornado goes to therapy after having an unbearable week. However, he is surprised when the therapist tells him he doesn't have anger issues, but rather is not channeling his energy properly):
Best wishes,
Chian
Can't believe you went through all this craziness!!! :( add oil~~~ !!!
ReplyDeleteHey Joe! I can't believe it either, really :)
DeleteNow I'm happy to be healthy and I just want to pay it forward and hopefully help someone else!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteI have eczema flare ups that get quite bad on my fingers. One time they were so infected with staph that the dermatologist said Had he not seen me when he had, there was a good chance one or two of my fingers could have been amputated. Staph is no joke and often isn't given the level of seriousness it deserves since it is a common bacteria. People need to really take infections seriously, no matter how minor may seem. A bit of yellow ooze is a classic staph indicator but also infection in general. Get to a doc asap and although cost and self diagnosis seems to be factors for many, with the internet being a wealth of info, in the end the bottom line is your health. There is no price.
DeletePlease leave a comment on my blog if you have had a personal experience with bacterial infections or allergies - everyone's situation is different, and information is power! Let's help future readers! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSorry you had to go through all that mess, but I'm glad you come out swinging and had your ah-ha moment. Thanks for sharing your story; I'm sure it'll help someone out there, and your karma points will rack up without you knowing it... Our family can't wait to see you and Sim on your next visit to the Bay Area.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rick! ^__^
DeleteOh my!! I am dealing with impetigo now & it is actually hurting. My face feels like sandpaper. I've been on Bactrim & the Mupirocin cream ( which I've stopped using due to making it worse) for a week now. I thought it was getting better, but today it this worse it has been. I have another appointment in the morning. He has to give me something that works or I guess a trip to the ER is in order!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen! So sorry to hear you have impetigo too =( Please read my reply above in the Facebook comments section!
DeleteHey! I stumbled upon this because I *currently* have impetigo. I already went to the derm and they prescribed me Mupirocin and this prescription lotion called clindamycin which is an antibiotic/treats acne. I'm Asian as well & have skin like yours, I usually get compliments all the time on my complexion, even when I don't care of it! I contracted impetigo because I had one blackhead - which, in retrospect, was not a big deal but I guess when you have nearly flawless skin, one blackhead seems like much more. So I attempted to pop the blackhead and ended up with my face being eaten alive. I am an actuary so I work in an office all day - I can't face my boss and go to meetings with pussing open sores and crust covering my entire nose/surrounding area! It has been a literal nightmare for me. Anyway, it's been a week and some of it has healed but some has not. I'm still getting stalactites .. So I'm thinking maybe I'm not removing enough crust so that the ointment can kill the bacteria? How did you remove it? It's difficult to differentiate between dried skin and the crust and I am terrified to break my skin and make it worse! This is such a nightmare, I literally wish I could be comatose and wake up when my face comes back.
ReplyDeleteHi Lauren :) *hugs* I'm sorry to hear that you're having such a hard time :( I too broke my skin because I was messing with my wound and thus allowed the staph to get into my system.
DeleteMy stalactites stopped forming after a few days, so I would recommend that you should go back to your dermatologist. I was also taking oral antibiotics though. It never hurts to have them check on your progress. I would remove my stalactites when I was washing my face - I would cup my hands and hold the water up to my face to soften the stalactites, and then use a wet washcloth to gently rub them off. I would also use my fingers to gently shake them off while my face was wet, never use your nail to pick them off (that's what could cause broken skin). Use your judgement to gently nudge off the stalactites.
I know how frustrating this can be :( It's important to accept that you have impetigo and to take things one day at a time. The more you stress, the more weak you make your body. You need to stay strong mentally and emotionally so that your body can fully focus on healing itself. Can you take some time off work? I'm sure it's tough having to go to work while you're trying to recuperate from this. My skin has totally healed, and even the melasma that the dermatologist said I would have permanently has disappeared without me doing anything.
Stay strong, Lauren! Keep me posted, okay? ^__^
O wow I went threw the same thing with my face I went to the er & they said I had shingles then I went to urgent care & they said it was contact dermatitis & gave me a shot of steriods & that help alot...so when I finally went to the derm I just had the little itchy bumps & they gave me a steriod cream
ReplyDeleteHi Kia, thanks for sharing. Hope you are well!
DeleteWow.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your suffering but so glad you came out of it whole, with more knowledge and wisdom.
I hope your new job has been everything you wanted.
You know, you can still do community theater on the side. I'm sure they'd love having you with your acting background and experience. Plenty of people call themselves actors and even get occasional work as such, but not everyone can work for Apple.
I'm going through a skin rash thing now, have insurance, even saw the dermatologist who is clueless. But thankfully it's not staph nor is it nearly as bad as yours. I suspect it's a yeast infection on my skin. I'll be going back in two weeks to the Doctor I originally saw in urgent care. Her I trust.
BTW I'm allergic to Erythromycin, makes me jaundiced.
And whatever you do, try to avoid the statins.
I really appreciate you sharing your story, especially with the photos. Most helpful.
Best wishes on your new path and would love an update.
Thanks for the tips, mluaiuppa! It's been over a year now and I'm healthy and totally recovered.
DeleteHey there! I'm currently getting over an insane impetigo infection on my eyelid and around my mouth. It started as a red patch on my eyelid, just below my eyebrow. I'm prone to excema, so I chalked it up to being just another flare up. Turns out, this red itchy spot that I kept putting Eucirin on, was the beginning of my impetigo site. My eyelid started to swell A LOT, and yellow crusts were oozing from my eyebrow region. Somehow it spread to the contour of my mouth. Yellow, oozing crusty blisters. I was given Clarythromycin and Fucidin (an anti-bacterial cream). Things are clearing up, but, my eyelid is still a bit swollen and the skin around my face feels really chapped. Any suggestions to deal with post-Impetigo skin? Coconut oil perhaps? Just want to let you know that I went through a month of self-diagnosing and healing, until the impetigo finally blew up. Sometimes you have to give in, and get the medication (with the hopes you are not allergic to it!!). Thanks for your story, hope life is treating you well :)
ReplyDeleteHi elker123! Hang in there, and glad to hear that it's clearing up. As for post-impetigo skin suggestions, switching from CeraVe to Cetaphil Daily Cleanser and Cetaphil Moisturizer SPF 50 has worked really nicely for me, so maybe you could give Cetaphil a try. From my own experience, I would not recommend the coconut oil - I had tried using the Josie Maran cleansing oil post-recovery and my skin felt a slight tingling/burning still, so now I avoid oils (I suspect that the impetigo and/or meds wore down my outer dermis). But the body is an amazing thing, and my skin has fully recovered (no melasma, no scarring). Drink lots of water, eat nourishing food, sleep well, don't stress too much, and don't smoke or drink! Best wishes for your recovery!
DeleteYour blog is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. You are a truly great writer. :)
ReplyDeleteHope life is treating you well~
Hi User, thank you so much! Yes, I'm doing great and I'm glad that people are able to stumble upon this blog. I hope it helped you in some way!
DeleteI'm a huge memior fan and your story reads like a page-turning memior! It's way more than what happened with your skin. You need to just add some chapters and you'll have a bestseller! You're a wonderful writer.
ReplyDeleteI picked at a huge bug bite that led to a scar thing on my boob, no less!! Then, like a genius, I ordered "scar removal lotion" from freakin Amazon and NOW I have a rash/burning thing on TOP of scar!! Finally saw doc and am on antibiotic and am following instructions-- NO TOUCHING OR PICKING AT IT. It's covered in gauze. I don't know why this one but gets me so much. I have had scars before in other spots and have never obsessed about them like this. I guess it's because it's on my BOOB! lol. But, reading your words, (and speaking of Apple), I just opened and set up our new MacBook Pro and it's gorgeous! I'm a Mac girl- so, life isn't all that bad. Hubby got dinner, kids ok, new MacBook (and new iPhone 6S) soon). Thank you for your story and what you learned,
And girl, WRITE A BOOK!
Hey Chaz! Sorry to hear about your unfortunately placed bug bite :P
DeleteThank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! I've been busy with other things lately (an amazing new hobby table tennis (!) / work / acting / modeling) but you have reminded me that I need to get back into writing. I have unfinished works that I should wrap up - one of them is an animation that I hope to do all the voices for!
Thanks for reading my blog! Hope you have a speedy recovery! ^__^
Thank you for your blog. I'm currently on this same recurring horrible journey. Worse, I'm an RN and can't get it tested properly or treated except symptomatically. Gained much insight from your story and hope to return to my once flawless skin that got compliments from strangers as I'm sure you do! Be well.
ReplyDeleteHi Pjflyr, Oh no! :( You're doing such a great service as an RN. Would it help for you to keep a daily journal to see if there's a possible cause to your recurring symptoms or even just to see if you are taking care of yourself as much as you are taking care of others? My skin has healed back to normal and I hope that yours will too soon! Wishing you all the best!
DeleteI finally got my answers. Two concurrent situations were happening on my face. First, a staph infection most likely from minute scratches I created by shaving the peach fuzz on my face with cheap disposable razors when "dermaplaning" came into vogue this summer. The infection was most likely exacerbated by my hiking and wearing different headsets in airplane I fly and dirty mike muffs. It started on my left chin and cheek. This Fall I also changed contact lens solution to a "comfort wear" type that was supposed to increase moisture retention and reduce the dry eyes I was experiencing on the job. The staph infection was cleared with a doc visit for RX week long course of Bactrim DS and a Predi-pak. I saw results immediately because I was already taking OTC antihistamine, the triad nailed the face rash in two days. I now subscribe to a home-delivery by mail shaver service using a quality clean 5-blade head every week.
ReplyDeleteWhat perplexed me was a red orbital flat (macular) itchy rash that ringed my eyes, brows and cheekbones that returned a week later. I was beginning to blame my boyfriend, Texas, where we had been sent for work since this all started in October..anything! It was back to square one. Almost. I tried to go over every detail that was different from my home routines and diet thst may be causing the reaction. I feared milk was a trigger (I'm already allergic to beef from a tick bite about 4 years ago). I tried different food combos aka an elimination diet. Ruling out harsh hotel laundry detergents, I used disposable facial cloths only. No change. What was significant was it started every morning and would begin to clear up over night with antihistamines and then repeatedly get worse through the day after I dressed, put in my contacts and got on with the day. Finally I thought about the contact solution, the only change in any cosmeceuticals I've made since this all started. I thoroughly rinsed the lenses and cases and stored them a day in regular house-brand solution. Yes, the cheap stuff. A couple days without lenses, my skin was significantly clearer around my eyes. I have been wearing lenses using regular solution successfully since Christmas Eve. No more antihistamines. My pretty skin is back! Forgive my long story but it was two issues; one infectious, one allergic. Best wishes for those who are still seeking answers to their rash. It may be more complicated than you think and may even be right before your eyes. Literally.
Pjflyr - Oh my goodness you were dealing with so much! I can't believe you figured it out, you are AMAZING! Thanks for the update so that others can benefit from your amazing detective work. I'm so happy for you - hurray for the return of your pretty skin! ^__^
DeleteI can't believe I just sat here and read all of that I was hooked on every word! Took me nearly 3 hours and almost 40 % iPhone battery life. You are An amazing writer and I am truly inspired by your story! Thank you so much for sharing! I was going to message you on Twitter but I noticed it's been inactive since 2010 do you have a new one?
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best!
David Lamar
T/IG/FB: @ImDavidLamar
Correction *Nearly 2 hours*
DeleteWow, *2* hours and 40% iPhone battery life, ha ha! Hey David, I'm really happy my blog was inspiring for you and thanks for the compliments! Yeah, I don't use Twitter (I only joined to try and pitch my screenplay a number of years ago). I saw on your Twitter that you're a singer, best of luck with that!
DeleteI somehow stumbled upon this as I was googling why I'm itching so badly that I can't sleep. I spent a good hour of this sleepless night reading your blog and I can relate so well to what you've experienced. I'm also so sorry you had to go through all of that, I too have been there and I would not wish these things on anyone. I had a terrible case of impetigo last year around this time and I knew nothing about it at the time and waited until things were really bad (fever and all) before I ended up in the emergency room. In recent weeks I had something come up on my chin and I didn't hesitate to go to the doctor this time. He said it was a form of staph, gave me Bactrim and it cleared up. However, a few days after I am finished with my antibiotic I notice some weird sores near my bikini line. I immediately went back and they told me that the staph had spread to a different area and since it didn't respond to antibiotic treatment it was likely mrsa and they prescribed me Bactrim twice a day for a period of TWENTY DAYS now (which I do not understand because it didn't seem to work the first go around) and the mupirocin cream. The sores seem to be spreading/swelling/itching/getting worse. I'm considering going to a different doctor tomorrow to get a second opinion on what to do. I feel like this struggle is beginning to consume my life. I am a college student and have had to miss lots of class and isolate myself from other people. It's getting hard to deal with physically and emotionally. Thank you for sharing your story, it gives me some hope that things are going to get better soon.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Kathy! (>__<) I'm so sorry, I can really feel your pain and how difficult things are for you right now. A second opinion sounds like a good idea. Is your intuition telling you anything? Could you be allergic to Bactrim? Are scratching at night and thus spreading the staph/MRSA? Maybe you could take some pictures and just keep a blog just for yourself so that you can channel your time towards a healing purpose - then if you choose to publish it later it could really help other people. Stay strong, pray, and keep your spirits up as best as you can. Keep me posted - I hope things get better soon!
DeleteThank you for posting all of this. I had a similar rash to your photos from days 10 to 13 on my face but not quite as widespread. It was not healing for weeks despite everything I did to try to help it. It became more and more like a second degree burn and painful. I am a carrier of MRSA from working at the hospital. I had never thought it could be staph on my face despite knowing I carry it in my nostrils. I had previously had confirmed staph infection in my armpit areas before which I easily spread further when I itched at it, but I still did not correlate this to my facial rash. After reading your blog I suddenly realized it could be staph on my face and I went off to see the Dr. Prior to that I was suffering in silence on my own hoping the terrifying rash would magically go away. When it got worse I blamed myself for somehow spreading it. I felt like nobody else could have been in a situation like mine and I was embarrassed. When I read your blog and saw that other people have suffered too, I felt like I was no longer alone. I was less embarrassed. I then realized I needed medical help before it got any worse. After just a few days of antibiotic therapy my skin cleared right up. I have some minor scarring that will fade over time, but I am very grateful for finding your blog.
ReplyDeleteHi TKM! I am so so glad that my blog has helped you and that your skin has cleared up! You are an angel for working in the hospital - you have put your body on the front lines to help others and I wish you all the best! Hugs! ^__^
DeleteHello Chain, thank you so much for your story! I am going thru the EXACT,EXACT thing that you went through!! I took notes of all your creams soaps and even the antibiotics that were prescribed so that I can ask about these when I show up at the urgent care or ER later today!!! This is my 4th time since last month that my impetigo flares up, and the mupirocin only makes my skin itch and burn more!! I really think I need strong antibiotics!
ReplyDeleteYou are a great writer and gave me hope that my skin can go back to normal one day!
Hi Maricela! I'm sorry to hear that you've had so many flareups, I really hope that they can prescribe you the right antibiotics. I'd also recommend for you to take note of your habits - I'm not sure if you've already been on medication and it wasn't strong enough, or do you think you have something that is infected and you keep reusing it? There's an article online of a woman who used her friend's makeup brush and it had staph on it. Thanks for reading my blog and I really hope your skin can clear up soon! =)
DeleteI can not stop thanking Dr Leonard for helping me to cure STAPH which was my biggest problem for the past years, i took many prescribed medicine but could not work until i met Dr who saved my life you can be the next person to give testimony if you are having this problem because his product really worked for me. you can contact him through his e-mail drleonard288@gmail.com..
ReplyDeleteI just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You.
ReplyDeletepest control san antonio
I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You.
ReplyDeletepest control san antonio
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThat ending sucked worse than your "acting skills".
ReplyDeleteAwsome story. Your writing style resembles mine so I was sucked fast. Mostly just giving us readers the Facts of the issue without endless rambling.
ReplyDeleteI actually found this cause me and the wife got attacked with JUNIPER sap after rippingripping out about 10 of the evil bushes at our new house. Who knew Juniper caused poison ivy looking rash/ itch. The wife is having a worse reaction to it then me.
This was a fully educational story!!
I'm so glad I found your story. I'm going through the healing stages of Impetigo right now and have been obsessing over how to get better since I first contracted Impetigo. I'm 99% positive that I got this at a waterpark. I was drinking that entire time so I'm sure that did not help my already weak immune system. It started right under my nose, then spread to both of my cheeks. I don't wish this upon my worst enemies!
ReplyDeleteAt first, I went to my allergist to see if it was a skin allergy. I've suffered from skin allergies and eczema my entire life so I thought it was just one of my dry, irritated skin episodes. I had makeup on when I went to my allergist, so I'm sure that didn't help in his diagnosis. He prescribed Prednisone for 6 days. It wasn't until I saw my cousin (currently in med school) and my uncle (her dad and a doctor) did I learn that it was actually Impetigo. I had never heard of it, but I was so relieved. At the time, my sores were so itchy and PAINFUL. Definitely not a familiar skin allergy that I was used to treating.
My uncle prescribed me 250mg of Azithromycin for 5 days. Finally some relief, I thought. It wasn't until day 5 that I started to feel semi-normal. I told my uncle that I wasn't feeling that much better and my face was still painful and itchy. He then prescribed 500 mg Keflex to take 3 times a day. Today is end of day 1.5 (I started it last night) and I already feel much better. I am in 3 weddings this summer and leaving for another Bachelorette party tomorrow night so I just want to go back to my normal self and not hide in my apartment anymore!
Thanks you for sharing your story as it's empowering me to get better but to also take it day by day. I know it's not going to heal overnight. Like you, I'm Asian and (not to toot my own horn either) I had perfect skin before this all happened. I've worked from home everyday this week because the week before was a NIGHTMARE of covering up my face when I barely wore makeup to begin with. I'm hoping the scabs don't result in majoring scarring. I've already scheduled an appointment with the dermatologist so I can do something about the scars once I'm done with the meds.
Also, I forgot to mention this, but I'm allergic to BACTRIM! I don't know what happens to me when I take it since I've always been told that since I was very young, but I thought that was pretty interesting that you were allergic to the same antibiotic. I hope you're doing well!
DeleteHey Maria! That is interesting that we are both allergic to Bactrim, I wonder if it's an Asian thing? I'm so glad that you feel better on the Keflex and that my blog is empowering you to take things day by day. My face has totally cleared up since and I am able to wear makeup without worrying about my skin being too sensitive. Be patient and help support your body as well as you can (minimal stress, minimal alcohol, etc) so that you can fully recover. Take care! :)
DeleteThis testimony may help someone who is suffering from STAPH infection.
ReplyDeleteMy son had this problem for 2years and some months, I was not serious about it because i was not all at home until a Doctor friend advise me about it that if i do not treat it on time it is going to affect his sexual performance such as WEAKNESS OF ERECTION, LOW SPERM COUNT, WATERY SPERM, Just a few to mention, which he told me not to waste money on English medicine that it will work but it does not kill the root of the problem that i should go for herbal medicine which i found Dr. Leonard more effective on internet and his product really cure my son. He is now proud to be around his friends.
contact him on drleonard288@gmail.com.
Hi Chian,
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog while doing my research on some skin issues I'm having which I believe is a cellulitis, BUT wanted to drop you a note to thank you for sharing your story and you gave me the kick I needed to pursue pro help even though I am without insurance.
I hope all is well and thanks again,
LB
Hi LB, I'm so glad that my blog was able to help you! I hope the doctors can help you resolve your skin issues soon! Best wishes.
DeleteHello!! Thank you SOOOO much for sharing your experience! I am currently having a staph infection on my scalp! But the yellow Crusties are finally coming off. One is still really painful but it will take time to heal! Can't believe you went through this mess! So scary!! Glad everything worked out with yours and it cleared up! Hope the job is well & everything is going how life plans it. Xoxo Kristin
ReplyDeleteHi Kristin! Oh no, staph on the scalp sounds so painful! I'm happy to hear that the yellow crusties are finally coming off. Yes, my life is going well now! Wishing you a speedy recovery! :)
DeleteAww thank you so much!!! Trust me this has been the worst experience I have ever gone through! Thank you again for sharing your story. Made me feel that this wil finally clear up! 😀
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DeleteYes, your scalp will clear up soon and your life will return to normal! :) Just try to analyze why you got the infection in the first place so it doesn't happen again. Thanks for reading my blog!
DeleteHi! Your story has helped me immensely. I'm on day 5 of antibiotics. Dr first diagnosed me w cellulitis and shingles. After my rash continued to spread all over my right side of my face and it looked worse and itched to high heaven, I went to urgent care. They diagnosed me w impetigo. What started as a minor scratch from my 9mo daughter, somehow turned into a ferocious, hot, mad, swollen face. I'm terrified it's going to scar my face but I'm optimistic after seeing your pictures! My face looks like raw ground beef right now. I have an appt w my Dr in the next couple of days. I'm so mad they misdiagnosed me. It was just little bumps near my eye and now my entire right side is bumpy, raw and hot. I'm on keflex 3x a day and Bactroban cream. I got a tetanus and rocephin shot at urgent care. I'm hoping this is getting better. Lot less crusties every day. I'm so grateful for this blog and am so happy you are back to your normal self. This sh!t is so scary. God bless.
ReplyDeleteOh no, Ruth! How awful that your Dr misdiagnosed you 😞I'm really glad that you're getting less crusties now that you're taking the new medications. No matter how much it itches, don't scratch!
DeleteI wish you all the best, and a speedy recovery. It may take your skin a while to grow back the dermis (it took mine a year), but keep hope alive! Feel free to update again after your follow up appointment! Take care! 😊
What a whirlwind. I'm writing this from my hospital bed. Face wasn't healing, getting redder, madder, itchier, puffier by the day. I sent my sister (she's a Dr) a pic of my face on Monday (2days ago) and told me to go to the ER. They took one look at me and immediately admitted me. I've had a handful of different IV antibiotics and will hopefully be heading home tomorrow. I had a scan to make sure my bones in my face weren't affected by the infection. I've had way too many blood draws in my short stay. They checked for sepsis and will do more blood draws to make sure I don't have any autoimmune diseases. To say this has been surreal, terrifying and horrible is an understatement. I seriously broke down in the ER. I'm sitting in my room thanking my lucky stars that I found this website and that I sought medical attention when I did. They don't know if it's MRSA but are treating us as such which means I can't even see my children for another day. But one more day is doable. The lesson today is to do research, trust your gut and if it seems like something is off, go seek professional help! This will not get better on its own. Thank you again for sharing your experience and replying to each and every one of us. You are an angel.
ReplyDeleteGasp, Ruth!!! Oh my gosh!!! Oh no, you've been through so much and are still going through it :(
DeleteI really, really hope they are able to find out what it is. Will they send you home tomorrow if they don't know definitively if it's MRSA? Do you feel like the IV antibiotics are helping?
Keep me updated! I'm praying for you! Hugs!
Thank you for replying. The crazy thing is, is that they do a million blood draws but it can take a couple days for the cultures to come back. So in the meantime they throw everything at the infection in hopes something will kill it. My face is a million times better. It definitely was cellulitis and impetigo but they just assumed the worst, MRSA. I'll keep you posted darlin'.
DeleteYay, so glad to hear that your face is a million times better! :)
DeleteChian,
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across your article while looking up face infections. It had me in tears! FINALLY! Someone else on earth who went through almost the same thing I did! Ugh! What a horrible nightmare! I'm so sorry you went through all that, relieved to hear I wasn't the only one & happy it altered your life in a positive way as it did mine. I wasn't as blessed as you were with such a loving boyfriend, men like him are few & far between. No, my boyfriend bought me every kind of lotions & moisturizers & picked up my prescriptions but other wise avoided me like the plague! I couldn't believe it! Here I was feeling like The Elephant Woman from a Freak Show & he abandons me?! He even threw in a "Maybe it's that flesh eating disease?" in one of his last texts! Yea! Thanks for your support Honey, I love you too! But THAT was the least of my worries! All I knew at the time is that it ended up NOT being Ringworm or Impetigo AFTER ALL! Ugh! Talk about frustration! Upset wasn't the word!
After being treated & getting my face, MY REAL FACE & my confidence back along with my peace of mind & sanity I must, simply must thank my children! My 3 beautiful, precious, amazing children who reminded me every day that things were gonna get better, real beauty comes from within, I would always be pretty to them, they love no matter what & that they were not going to allow me to run off & join the circus like I had planned! Lol I know it sounds crazy but I thought the extra income wouldn't hurt, right? Lol
I would also like to thank you for sharing your story. You are an amazing woman! Thank you for being YOU!
Sincerely,
Lisa Ramirez
Hi Lisa! Thanks for reading and sharing your experience! I'm sorry that you had to go through it, but I'm glad you were able to find the right treatment and recover to back to your strong, beautiful, funny self! Maybe instead of the circus you can try stand up comedy, you're hysterical! 😂Hugs!
DeleteI had a recurring staph infection on my face for most of late-February to early August 2016. It was terrible. I read your blog during that time and it gave me so much peace to read about a similar experience. I still have an indent in my hip from repeated steroid injections and can't believe when I look back at pictures of myself that my psychotherapy clients could be so kind to pretend I looked fine (I looked like you did on and off for 6 months...mostly on).
ReplyDeleteMy PCP misdiagnosed the infection in its earlier stage and I had to wait to get into my dermatologist. My dermatologist would get my honey-crusted oozing face under control, and then it would come back. I thought it was the same infection that never went away, but my dermatologist set me straight and said that I kept getting it again. She said that there was something going on with me besides the pre-existing rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis that she could see were flared. She said whatever it was kept making me itch or touch my face and give me staph. I had thought it was just the staph that was itchy, but she saw something else. I am already a sensitive skin person who has to use unscented everything and is careful about what I come in contact with. So, it was a mystery as to what else it was that was irritating skin. She sent me to an allergist.
The allergist gave me a skin prick test that didn't tell me anything new since the last one I had when I was a kid. The allergist said, "yes, you have allergies. But why just on the face? If it was something new in your environment (I had just gotten a new job in Feb 2016 and was worried it was something in the office), then it wouldn't just be affecting your face." He proposed a patch test and sent me on my way.
I Googled "patch test" and saw that it tested for metal and chemical allergies. Metals and chemicals, metals and chemicals. I wracked by brain trying to think of any new metals or chemicals. I remembered the previous summer when my new glasses had broken out the area around the bridge of my nose. I had covered the metal that held the nose pads in place with sports tape and it went away. I thought it was all better. I looked up what the metal in my glasses was and found out it was titanium. I looked up titanium allergies and found out that I had all of the symptoms and that the allergy will build up a tolerance at the contact site and move to a different area, explaining why my initial reaction was at my nose bridge, but then moved to my cheeks, forehead and eventually even my neck. I took off my glasses and put on a spare pair. The staph infection I had that day cleared up with antibiotics and steroids and I never got another infection (knock wood). My dermatologist tells me I am lucky to have figured it out and her nurse says that sometimes people never figure out what they are allergic to. Gross. I also find out that titanium is used in medical implants and glasses and other things because almost no one is allergic to it. Well, I am. And I am glad to know that before I end up with a fake hip in 40 years that I am allergic to. Google that. It's gross to be allergic to your implants.
In the end, I am glad to have been able to keep the infection from going systemic and am relieved to be able to live my life again. I put this comment here in case someone else can benefit from my experience and to say thank you for sharing yours.
Whoa, I can't believe it was a titanium allergy! 😲 I'm so glad you figured it out through some seriously amazing detective work. Thanks for sharing your story, I'm sure it will help other people! Hugs! ☺️
DeleteHow are you? Has the infection come back or has it been gone since you got rid of it? Do you look healthy again I'm just wondering cause I have it on my legs.
DeleteSince I took off the glasses that had titanium in them, the infection I had at that time cleared up and I never got another infection again. The allergic reaction from the titanium was infection-prone because it caused a rash on my skin that made openings that could easily be infected by staph. I look healthy again and feel relieved to be over it. It really ran my life for most of several months.
DeleteYay! 😋
DeleteHello. This is my story. On easter Monday I woke up to what looked like ingrown hairs on my legs but it got worse and itchy from there. I went from doctor to doctor and I got told it was ring worm, then that it was follculitis then it was psoriasis. Finally I was able to see my family doctor, he said absolutely not any of those and took a sample and sent it to the lab. Finally I found out what it really was, impetigo. I don't have it as bad as you did but I still feel stressed. I have it on my knees and back of my legs and it haven't seem to spread. But because of this, it caused me to be really depressed and insecure and afraid to show my skin also to even touch anyone. My infection is now gone, but now I still have the marks which are like not red but light pinkish and they got smaller then what they used to look like. After reading your story I have a lot more hope and I feel like I'm going to be okay, it just takes time. It's not itchy anymore thank goodness. But I'm still very careful by keeping clean, and whenever I get a cut I put polysporin on it with a band aid to make sure it doesn't get infected. I'm so glad I found your story because now I don't feel hopeless or nothing can help me. I'll keep you updated about my condition in a little bit.
ReplyDeleteHi Sar Bear91! I'm glad that your infection is gone and you were able to treat it. So after my blog, my infection never came back, but my body did need some time to heal:
Delete1) My face skin was sensitive (it needed time to grow back) and so I got some redness/contact dermatitis after driving for 6 hours in a car with my bunny (I think the pet fur really irritated my skin). It took about a year for my face to heal to normal and not get irritated by makeup, etc.
2) As for my antibiotic allergy, the red marks on my body took about 3 months to go away and I tried to minimize my sugar intake so that I could keep the inflammation down. I'm totally back to normal now.
So be kind and gentle and nourish yourself with good food and sleep and let your body take care of the rest. Good luck! Keep me posted! :)
Hi Chian, I came across your website when I was searching impetigo, which my doc diagnosed me with -severe impetigo. I had been on multiple antibiotics and also bactroban, however whenever I put on bactroban it stings like crazy and I couldn't sleep at night, even with Benadryl. Just wonder if it's the same thing for you? Thanks! KK
ReplyDeleteHi KK, I remember the Mupirocin stung at first, but then it tapered down. When it went on non-impetigo areas (like my neck) it did sting. But for my situation, I don't remember it ever stinging to where I couldn't sleep. I stopped applying mine on Day 4.
DeleteStinging is one of the side effects, but is the stinging severity changing at all (i.e. as your impetigo is getting better, the stinging getting less painful)? Are you applying a thin film and only on affected areas?
Keep me posted on how you're doing! Best wishes for your recovery!
Hi Chian, thx for such a quick reply! I did apply a very thin layer to the affected area, which is my whole face and ear. I am on day 5 of mupirocin, the first 3 days not bad at all, but as it heals a little it stings more :(:(. May I know why you stopped at day 4?
DeleteHey KK, I wonder if your situation is like mine, but this what I wrote for Day 17:
Delete"My face at its best time of the day: 5:26 pm, 7 hours after I put on the cream, and 7 hours after I take the antibiotics.
I begin to suspect that the topical creme, Mupirocin, is irritating my skin. My skin is thin and sensitive to begin with, and I feel to a certain extent since the crusts are gone, the bacteria is gone and I just need to heal.
I decide to document it with pictures:
After washing my face. After Mupirocin.
I form a theory as to why my neck is pink - because I can't lean my face over the sink, I have been washing my face upright and the Mupirocin is dripping down and irritating my neck.
I email my sister the pictures. Since it's been 3 full days of meds so far, she thinks it's safe for me to stop the topical antibiotic. The oral antibiotics should be good enough. Sweet!
No more Mupirocin for me - I have done 3.5 days of it (the prescribed duration is 7 days). My sister recommends that I just wash without putting on moisturizer. She says the less I do to my skin the better, but if I really want to put on moisturizer, then I should first try it on a test area. I just feel like my skin is so dry and needs some help, so I put aloe vera gelly all over my face."
So for my case (of course it may be different for your situation), I was at a point where I didn't need the Mupirocin and it was actually doing more harm than helping with my healing skin (actually anything on my skin at that point, even the aloe vera gelly was too much). How about you try not putting the Bactroban on a small portion of your affected area and see how that area compares to the rest? If it's healing well, then maybe you can not wean off it?
Hi Chian, thanks for pointing me to the exact section, I read your blog so fast sometimes I miss important stuff :). Last night it stinger so much so I washed off early, but this morning I noticed that there are new yellowish oozing again on my face :(:(. And the corners of my mouth never completely stopped oozing. so I think my impetigo is still not completely gone yet :(:(:(
DeleteOne more question regarding shower, would shower irritated the impetigo? So far I had been using different wipes everyday
Thanks! KK
Hi KK, hmm what antibiotics are you taking now? What day and what dosage are you on and how has your healing gone? When did you last see your doctor for a followup? I'm wondering why there are new yellowish oozes when you are on antibiotics and Mupirocin, so I wonder if you are somehow not using the correct antibiotic or scratching open new wound sites?
DeleteI never washed my face in the shower, and my body wasn't affected (only my face, not my ears). I was using normal temperature tap water to splash my face and then I would pat my face dry gently with a towel, I never used wipes. Do you think the wipes could be irritating your face and spreading the infection around?
How do you think you got the impetigo in the first place? I'm wondering if maybe the cause is still around (i.e. makeup brush, infected towel, etc)...
Hi Chian, I was on Bactrian and Keflex for a few days but wasn't effective so the doc switched me to cefuroxime now. My next follow up is Thursday but since mupirocin is really driving me crazy with the stinging, I am bit worrried.
DeleteSorry for not been clear, I only wash my face over the sink too, the wipes are for body (instead of shower), but I'd really love a real shower if that's allowed
Hi Chian, I saw you mentioned regular showering in day 22, but I guess that's when your impetigo is gone and only doing maintaining. How abt showering before impetigo is completely gone?
DeleteI rarely scratch, when it's too much to bear I use cotton swab do a bit dabbling here and there. I am not sure how I got it... there was no cut no pimple no anything :(:(:(
Hey KK, do you think the cefuroxime is working? Did the doctor mention MRSA?
DeleteI would think a real shower would be no problem, since your body isn't affected by the impetigo (I just didn't mention showering in my blog but I did shower, I just didn't wash my face).
Hmm, can you think back to when you think you got infected? Any patterns, clues, reasons you can think of?
In general, do you feel like your infection is getting better or worse?
Hi Chian, it started with an itchy and then I scratched a bit and in no time the impetigo found me... I guess when I scratched there must be unseen wound. Other than that I don't see how I could got it. :(:(.
DeleteThe doc did mention MSRA, but they did cultures and found no MRSA
I don't really think cefuroxime is working, but neither was keflex and Bactrim I had earlier :(:(. The topical mupirocin was working for 3 days but now my face seems weeping yellow fluid again :(:(. I can feel new crust (small and thin) forming every time I wash my face to put on new mupirocin. :(:(.
Hmm, I wonder why these oral antibiotics aren't working. Are you cleaning your towels, bed linens, etc (maybe they have staph on them?) that come into contact with your face/ears? Do you think maybe you could be scratching while you are sleeping?
DeleteI wish you could move your follow up to Wed!
Hi Chian, had been lay drying towels after each use and sheets/pillowcase everyday , I hope I didn't scratch during sleep , but couldn't really tell :(. Guess will just have to wait until Thursday :(. Thanks for all the support ! Really appreciated ! KK
DeleteMeant to say laundering, not lay drying :)
DeleteMaybe you can wear gloves when you sleep to make sure you don't scratch? Because it gets so itchy! Check under your nails and your fingers in the morning!
DeletePraying for things to get better for you! Keep me posted on how you are doing! :) You can always leave a comment here and I'll reply to you when I can! ^__^
Definitely! :) thanks again!
DeleteI have been to 2 different dematologist and have tried numerous prescription creams that just irritated the redness on my left cheek. I have using dermalmd rosacea serum for a week now and it is AMAZING so far. If you have burning or heat related redness give this product a try.
ReplyDeleteThis is something. Sorry you had to deal with this. I'm glad the outcome was good, though, and that you're all better at this point. I had impetigo last year, so I get how badly it sucks, even if my case was nowhere near this severe. I was concerned enough about the patches developing on my cheeks that I went to the dermatologist pretty fast. So I never had to deal with any swelling or anything like that. I still felt really gross, though, thanks to the scabby, patchy rash, and the mupirocin on my skin. It was also horribly itchy to the point where I could not sleep. Fun times. It's also real fun how diligent you have to be with disinfecting everything your skin comes in contact with to minimize the spread. I got real used to washing my clothes and sheets everyday, and disinfecting the shower every time I used it. It did stop the rash from spreading, though, so there's that. It took like 5 months to clear up with the antibiotics too. I was actually scared of getting more rashes because I'm allergic to penicillin and cephalosporins, and I'm bit worried about being allergic to more kinds of antibiotics. Thankfully, I didn't get one, though. Just a whole lot of waiting for the impetigo to clear up. Oh, and I had an ear infection at the same time. That was fun. I'm just glad it's gone and hasn't come back.
ReplyDeleteHi Sunburst223, I'm glad you were able to get through those times! Thanks for sharing your experience, best wishes! 😄
DeleteHi Chian, I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW I READ YOUR ENTIRE STORY AND IT WAS SO WELL WRITTEN!!! i've never had a staph infection, well wait, i did have impetigo when i was 15, (i'm 54 now) anyway, brilliant blog on your experience. i'm glad it all worked out. This was very informative too!! i never knew hospitals can be so dangerous. That's why i randomly found your story. I googled "Staff infection" today after my dad told me about his friend who got a horrible Staff-infection after an operation. ok, anyway! THANK YOU FOR THIS STORY!~. PS, I lived in Hollywood for 15 years and did the acting thing. That was a great time. You can Imdb me if you want? haha. thanks!! Ann in Las Vegas
ReplyDeleteHi Ann, thanks for reading! I'm so glad my story was informative and you like my writing. "You like me, you really really like me!" (Just kidding - although I had to put in the reference since you're from Hollywood as well 😆) I IMDBed you! 😋
DeleteSorry to hear about your dad's friend. Hope he recovers soon!
great information, more Vitiligo-Organics was created out of a passion for offering a genuine product for the skin disorder suffered by people from all over the world.
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Hi Chian,
ReplyDeleteI'd love a response as I'm sure I previously posted this comment.
I'm very interested to know if you sre still experiencing itchy spots all over your body since having a staph infection on your face. It's something I am experiencing and cannot beat. Applying corticosteroid ointment everyday is tiresome!
Thanks for sharing your story!
Hi A Rogers, I never got a previous comment from you! I only experienced itchy spots on my body due to my allergic reaction to antibiotics (not due to the staph). So for you, have you gotten a skin or food allergy test before? Could you be allergic to something in your environment (clothes, dander, chemicals like phlalates, nickel, etc) or eating something that is causing you to have a reaction?
DeleteYou're very lucky then your experience is behind you. I have done all those things. I've been told it is lingering staph despite decololonization etc.
ReplyDeleteAll the best with your endeavours. Thanks again for sharing your experience with everyone! 😊
Oh no, lingering staph! And you can't find it on anything in your environment that you may be using (i.e. makeup brush, etc)? That's so tough, hang in there. Best wishes! Thanks for reading!
Delete7 months just like this but I refused to take the medicine after one time ,prednisone spread it and Candida attacking my body, Hepatitis B vaccine in nursing school and too many xrays from a accident causes an immune breakdown, every parasite attacks your body, unfortunately the contaminated flu shots people get and vaccines that were made of foreign proteins and parasites from infected animals. Peroxide,apple cider vinegar, baking soda pH change, ,veggie diet,immune boosters,getting rid of all chemicals in products, infrared saunas, naturopathic Dr.and last but not least, The Gerson therapy is healing it. But you literally detox everything you would ever get later in life, cysts, rashes , swollen lymphs, breast cancer, etc....any surgery or cellular damage from trauma or emotional comes out and detoxes. Essential oil of lavendar, rosemary, marjoram sacred frankincense. Watch healing cancer from the inside out. Watch Vaxxed which I did research on for 12 years. Watch truth about vaccibes, injecting alluminum. Keep your immune system up through organic foods. Good luck to everyone. You can heal yourself. Its a journey, scary and ling at times. Don't give up hope.
ReplyDeleteSorry I have a few typos. Truth about vaccines. The road can be scary and LONG...._corrected typos. Thank you so much for your story. It was brave of you to be so honest . you are dedicated and strong.
ReplyDeleteHi Holistic practitioner, thank you for sharing your experience! You've been through a lot, but *you* are dedicated and strong! I hope your experience can help other people. Best wishes!
DeleteHello, thank you for your blog. I am going through a similar version of this right now. Some of your pictures look very familiar to me - swollen face, redness, etc. I've been Dx with erysipelas and eczema which has spread rapidly all over. Not getting what I feel are decent answers from doctors. I think I have either bacteria or fungus but they have so far only put me on one round of antibiotics and dont seem to interested in giving me more so I have a follow up appointment with the had of derma clinic where I hope to get some answers. Your blog has been helpful though and I'm glad you were able to heal - best of luck to both of us on recovery and staying healthy!
ReplyDeleteHi Unknown! Sorry to hear about your condition. Is the one round of antibiotic helping at all? If it's not, or even if it is, you should trust your gut and go find a doctor/derma that you connect with who can address all of your concerns and give you all the answers you need. Best wishes! Keep me posted, if you like! :)
DeleteYou are so brave, sorry you had to experience that!
ReplyDeleteThanks Louisa :) I'm actually glad I went through it so that I could write this blog and hopefully others can benefit from my experience :)
DeleteThanks for sharing your story. It has help me a great deal. I am currently going through Impetigo but mine was possibly from strep and not going to doctor to recieve antibiotics. I had raw nose and mouth from 15 hour sneeze attack while sick and thinking the streptococcus from my mouth contaminated my raw skin. Not a lot of information out there for adults so I too will share my story. Do you mind if I link/ mention you're experience as well? Thanks! Tara
ReplyDeleteHi Tara, I'm so glad my story helped you - yes, of course you can link/mention my experience! How wonderful that you are going to share your story too! You can update here with your blog link when you're done. Best wishes! (^__^)
DeleteChian,
ReplyDeleteHave you since identified what antibiotic you are allergic to? I also have severe allergies to most antibiotics/drugs/medication, including all sulfa drugs. It frequently is similar to what you went through and is quite a horrible experience. I have found that when few other things help my reaction, 2 Zyrtec will at least calm it. Some people have had better success with Benadryl, but I'm also allergic to that so I cannot give a comparison. I also am extremely allergic to tea tree - it's almost like a really bad chemical burn.
CeraVe makes another version of the face wash that is less drying than the foaming. I've been using their products for almost 3 years with great success and have even gotten several friends and family members hooked on it.
Hi Unknown, I suspect that I am allergic to Bactrim (the sulfa drug) since two doctors said that the allergic symptoms matched that, and not the Keflex (penicillin). But since I did take both at once, they suggested that I always put both as allergies on my medical forms. Sorry to hear that you went through something similar!
DeleteCetaphil products seem to work better for my skin, I'm glad that the CeraVe works well for you! Take care!
Wow, Chian, I'm glad that you are ok. What a story/battle you had going on... Currently I have what they say is Impetigo on the top of my ears after scratching them after an allergic reaction on my scalp/ears to hair dye. It's been 7 days now and the antibiotics don't seem to be working. When the crust comes off the weeping is there pouring out, and to the point that ointments can't really stay put. If I don't cover them after applying then it drips down below my ears. I will attempt the ointment prescribed again before going back to the doc if my ears don't clear up soon! The ointment kind of burned and itched when I used it so I bought some Emucream. But, so far 3 days of that and that is not working either. Hope I heal up soon. Tomorrow will be 3 weeks since the allergic reaction and 2 since the weeping ears began... This is my first time having anything like this and it really is disheartening and depressing... I can only take comfort in knowing that this isn't as bad at what others have/had to deal with, like you I'm sorry to say. But, Thank God you're healed! This is starting to get to me though and I'm feeling headachy... Well, Take Care Chian. I am very glad that God led you to your new exciting life. Life is tough at times but by his strength we can persevere! I will too!
ReplyDeleteHi 112121, oh no! I'm so sorry, you've been suffering for 5 weeks now!! =(
DeleteCould it be that you need to try a different antibiotic (perhaps for some reason this one doesn't work for you)? Go see your doctor again, the antibiotic should be working by this time. Did they also give you something for your allergic reaction? Your body and your heart are going through so much, I can totally relate. *hugs* Keep me posted on your situation!
Wow amazing story. I have impetigo right now, so I can relate. I also had it about 12 years ago and it was one of the worst times of my life. I had just moved to NYC, and one day I had this red irritated area just underneath my nose (which when I put 2 and 2 together later, happened to be where my cat stretched his paw and scratched me while we were snuggling earlier.)
ReplyDeleteSo this irritation starting spreading more and move over the days, and it looked so gross. And i had just started a new job and it was so embarrassing to go in like this. I thought it must have been cold sores (even though I never had them), so I started treating them with cold sore remedies to no avail. So I get even more sad and depressed and I actually call into work for a few days. My medical insurance had not kicked in yet, so I was hesitant to go to the doctor. Which sucks, because I would have made an appointment as soon as I saw the thing under my nose if I had insurance.
My coworker recommend a doctor so I sucked it up and went. They looked at it and upon looking at it, they immediately said you have Herpes Simplex Type II. The kind you get in your genitals, but in rare cases can spread up to your mouth. My mind is blown. They write me a prescription for Valtrex, which is like $300 since I have no insurance. I go home and research online. I question the diagnosis, since what I had didn't look like any of the Herpes pics online. Then I stumble upon an article that says that Herpes can look bigger than normal if you are suffering from HIV. At this point I can't take it anymore. I go get an HIV test. For 3 days I am convinced I have Herpes and HIV. It is probably the lowest point of my life. Really bad times. So HIV test turns up negative.
I decide to do more research. Somehow online, I stumble upon something called Impetigo, which looks very similar to what I had. I decide to get a second opinion. The first thing the doctor asked when he saw me was "Do you have a cat?". My mind is blown. He knows something. He explains that it is Impetigo, and probably stemmed from a cat scratch. I am relieved, so he prescribes Mupirocin. I'm also hesitant in thinking that this little tube of goo is going to cure me, but I have hope. Needless to say, the goo works and in a few days it looks better and in a few weeks the redness is almost completely gone.
Flash forward 12 years later, and here I have it again. I should i have caught it sooner, since I got some scratches on my arm from my cat that wouldn't heal. Then it spread to the right side of my face. I am assuming it happened during sleep since I sleep with the right side of my face on my right forearm. So I go get the meds for it which I am taking now, but I still can't help feeling depressed about the whole situation, because it reminds of that horrible time long ago. For me Impetigo is much more than physical sores, it is mental anguish too!
Hi Unknown, Oh no! Is it the same cat? What a terrible experience from 12 years ago of getting the wrong diagnoses, ugh! ☹️ I can totally relate to how emotional the experience can be. Hang in there! Keep me posted if you like. Hugs!
DeleteIt was actually a different cat, but that other cat is still alive and kicking haha. After these cats have passed on, I don’t think I’m getting any more!
DeleteHaha! But cats are so wonderful though! 🐱 Maybe you can give them mittens, haha! 😂
DeleteSo anyways, that rash ended up being poison ivy of all things!! That's what I get for trying to be outdoorsy.
DeleteBut before we found that out, I took Bactrim for this and it sucked! I didn't take it for the prescribed duration. I didn't get a rash, but it made me feel nauseous all the time.
DeleteOh my goodness - you ended up taking Bactrim (which you didn't need to) because it turned out to be poison ivy! Wishing you rash-free days soon!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete100 % satisfactory and result oriented. great post.
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I am literally going through the exact same thing! Except this is my second go-around..ugh! I feel your pain and I'm glad you are feeling better!!!
ReplyDeleteSorry, I haven't checked this blog in a while. Oh no, what do you mean second go-around? Did you get infected again? =(
Deleteoh my goodness!!!!! its crazy what you went thru.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear your story... my daughter has bad eczema and we bumped into this product that helps us a lot.. see if you want to look into it.. it is called reserve containing resveratrol and other antioxidant fruit blend.. there is also a luminesce serum that we use as well ... see if you have interested to learn more ... email me... I can show you how to get them at much cheaper price ... take care
ReplyDeletevery informative article about bumpy face rash.
ReplyDeleteSorry I haven't checked this blog in a while. Hi, yes, my sister also suspected I'm probably allergic to Bactrim, and not Keflex, and now I'm even more sure because you had the same allergic reaction that I did. Sorry you had to go through that as well. Take care!
ReplyDelete