Several years ago my husband returned from a golf trip to Virginia. He seemed to have sunburned skin on his forearms and lower legs. When what we thought was simply sunburn became scaly, itchy, and began to spread to other parts of his body, we became more concerned. He eventually saw his usual dermatologist who prescribed a topical cream with cortizone and antihistamines. The “rash” continued to spread and became increasingly uncomfortable. After several visits, the Dermatologist sent him to Baylor College of Medicine where he saw a team of physicians. They prescribed a 21 day course of oral steroids. The rash seemed to improve, but as soon as the steroids were discontinued, the rash returned, eventually covering his body. The physicians said that he was experiencing some sort of auto-immune response. They offered an oral chemotherapy drug. After much urging, he contacted Erin Thole, who immediately recommended tests to attempt to identify the cause of the auto-immune response instead of simply treating the symptoms. She was able to identify a number of foods and a topical products which were producing inflammation in his body. We eliminated the “offending” foods and soaps, shampoos, sunscreens, etc. Erin also prescribed supplements to support his body to function more optimally to heal itself. Over the next few weeks and months, he experienced marked improvement. He also lost weight and lowered his blood pressure.
We may never know what triggered this auto-immune process in the first place…sun poisoning? chemicals sprayed on the plants around the golf course? But what we do know is that his skin was healed. Although he has not completely eliminated all of the potentially inflammatory foods, he is certainly more cautious about what he eats.