1. Introduction: When Eczema Becomes a Puzzle
Living with eczema in Hong Kong isn’t just about itchy skin—it’s about chasing answers. After years of flare-ups, frustration, and conflicting advice, I decided to take a leap: allergy testing. I wanted clarity. What I got was a mix of surprises, contradictions, and a deeper understanding of how complex healing really is.
2. Why I Chose Allergy Testing
Eczema is often linked to allergic reactions, but pinpointing the exact cause can feel impossible. I chose to do both IgE and IgG tests to explore different angles:
- IgE test (Apex Dermatology) – detects immediate allergic reactions
- IgG test (HK BioTek, US lab) – identifies delayed food sensitivities
3. My Choices and Discoveries
🧪 IgE Test – Apex Dermatology
I chose Apex because they offered a discounted package with a full body check. It was convenient and professional. But the results? Surprising.
- Sensitive to: 🍏 Apple, ⚫ Black sesame
- I asked: Is it the skin? The flesh? A specific variety? → No clear answer.
🍽️ IgG Test – HK BioTek
This test felt more aligned with my experience. It revealed:
- Sensitive to: 🥚 Eggs, 🌾 Oats, 🥛 Milk
- Strangely, cheese was fine.
- Unexpected triggers: 🥒 Cucumber, 🍬 Sugar cane, Artificial sweeteners
These were foods I never suspected. The IgG test helped me rethink my diet and become more mindful of hidden ingredients.
4. Following the Plan… and Feeling Let Down
I followed the instructions:
- Quit eggs and sugar for 3 months
- Eliminated all sensitive foods for 2 months
I expected relief. Instead:
I lost 6 pounds in one week—but my allergy symptoms were still a mess.
It was disappointing. I did everything “right,” but eczema didn’t magically disappear. That’s when I realized: allergy testing is a tool, not a cure.
5. Doctors, Doubts, and the Search for Truth
I asked multiple doctors which test was best. Some said IgG. Others said IgE. At the government clinic, they told me:
“The test is just for reference.”
That shook me. If even professionals don’t agree, how do we find real answers?
Online, the message is often bleak: eczema can’t be cured. It started to feel more hopeless than cancer—at least cancer has a treatment path. Eczema? It’s trial and error, forever.
6. Turning to Experiments and Alternatives
Out of desperation, I turned to ChatGPT for ideas. I treated it like an experiment—trying suggestions, tracking reactions, adjusting as I went. I also explored Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hoping for a holistic approach.
But Western medicine and TCM don’t always mix. One says “avoid this,” the other says “balance that.” There’s no allergy test that integrates both. If there were a TCM-based allergy test, I’d be the first to try it.
Eventually, I stopped both treatments—not out of defeat, but out of exhaustion. I needed to reset, listen to my body, and find my own way.
7. Final Reflections: What Eczema Taught Me
- Allergy tests can offer insights—but they’re not gospel.
- Doctors don’t always agree—and that’s okay.
- Healing is messy, personal, and nonlinear.
- You have to become your own researcher, your own healer.
💬 Closing Thought
Eczema isn’t just a skin condition—it’s a journey through medicine, mystery, and self-discovery. If you’re searching for answers, start with curiosity, not fear. And remember: you’re not alone in the puzzle.