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 (consulted via a local dermatology specialist) – detects immediate allergic reactions
- IgG test (processed through a specialized wellness lab) – identifies delayed food sensitivities [1, 2]
3. My Choices and Discoveries
🧪 IgE test (consulted via a local dermatology specialist) – detects immediate allergic reactions
Just 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 (processed through a specialized wellness lab) – identifies delayed food sensitivities [1, 2]
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.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a medical professional. I am a graphic designer who has lived with eczema for over 40 years. The stories, rituals, and calm tools shared on QuoteQuest365 are based purely on my personal healing journey and emotional wellness practices. Please always consult with a dermatologist or medical professional for clinical treatments.
Want to grab free 7 days self worth card?
Sign up below to claim your copy and receive exclusive updates from our shop!