So I recently got my first manicure in, like, 20 years. I decided to do something pampering for myself that didn't involve eating or buying clothes. I don't like to draw attention to my hands because I have vitiligo, which is a loss of pigment, and my hands are quite blotchy. But I did the manicure anyway. I started getting compliments on my nails from coworkers and friends. So I've been polishing them regularly myself now. Feeling all girly for the first time in ages.

So of course I develop a new skin problem. Why not. Flaky, dry, red, burning eyelids. Day after day after day. I google this. The apparent diagnosis says get to the eye doctor.

So I go to the eye doctor and he says nope, your eyes are fine. Get to the dermatologist.

So today I see my dermatologist. She hasn't seen me since oh, about sixty pounds ago. She asks how much I've lost. I tell her 101 pounds. Congrats and compliments ensue. Very nice.

So, Doc, what's going on? Did I develop yet another autoimmune disorder to add to my arthritis and vitiligo? My stress levels have been through the roof over the last four months. I filled her in on my crazy life situation.

Oh, no. It's your nail polish.

What?

Yes, you have contact dermatitis of the eyelids and almost all of the cases I see are an allergic reaction to nail polish or artificial nails.

I'M ALLERGIC TO MY ONE CALORIE FREE AFFORDABLE LUXURY?!

Yes, yes I am. Fortunately, there's a doctor approved polish I can use. Pricey, but not as pricey as a weekly foot massage.

So that is my rant for the day.

Edited October 30, 201411 yr by JustWatchMe

That sucks. At least you can still have them done albeit it more expensively. Congratulations on the weight loss. I always love seeing people who I haven't seen in awhile. I can never wait to see and hear their reactions to my new body. Keep up the amazing work!

I got to tell my daughter this. she has the same thing. she also a few months ago had the same thing but on just the inside of her nose. she too went to the internet. is it a new substance they are putting in nail polish? weird

Wow! Who would have thought!!!

The good thing is that small indulgence, is quite inexpensive in the big scheme of things and makes you feel better inside and out...so GO FOR IT!
I love the way I look and feel when I wear makeup...but I can't wear mascara as it bothers my eyes BIG TIME...but the bigger problem now is I have "power surges" and end up with it all wiped off shortly after I put it on...so I barely bother anymore (I work in a call center, so no one sees me)... but, like you, when I do put it on I feel more "girly" and better all inside and out :)

Enjoy the brand you can use (which one is it by the way) and after you find it works...get SEVERAL colors and have fun!!!

Sorry for giggling a bit but that simply sounds like something that would happen to me.

I also have gone back to makeup, nails done, and hair cut stylishly. I wear dresses at work because I look nice in them again instead of looking short and fat with tree trunk legs.

It's not about vanity. It's about taking care of ourselves. I don't do this for anyone but me. Yes..I know I'm being looked at and I know that I'm getting attention both male and female but that's just the perks. I feel good about me and that's what counts.

Keep on getting those nails done GF and remember that this is a huge NSV.

That kinda sux, but at least you have an alternative! And btw, I have vitilago too and it's bad on my hands\arms. I call it my "camo" now! My nails were in such great shape from all the biotin I'd been taking, I decided to go for manicures myself! You ROCK those beautiful nails!

...on this same topic...a little NSV...is I can get matching bras and underwear...no one sees it but me (and my hubby), but it feels SO good! Anyone else feel "good all under"?

That just STINKS! Maybe you can try Jamberry nail covers? I don't know if you would have the same reaction but you could check . . . my friend had a party for this product recently I haven't tried them yet. They have lots of pretty designs though! Google Jamberry or look on YouTube for how to apply them.

Doctor's Remedy is what she recommended. So I'm trying it now. We will see. She also said the adhesives in artificial nails is an allergen. But I just use polish.

I've never heard of Doctors Remedy nail polish...where do you get something like that? This has got me quite curious.

Sold at the dermatologist's office.

@@JustWatchMe Boy oh boy friend you have had a row of it lately!! There are some salons that use that polish. They use it during pregnancy as well.

The covers might be an issue since there is an adhesive component to it.

You keep rocking those nails and toes and don't let anything stop you!!

That kinda sux, but at least you have an alternative! And btw, I have vitilago too and it's bad on my handsarms. I call it my "camo" now! My nails were in such great shape from all the biotin I'd been taking, I decided to go for manicures myself! You ROCK those beautiful nails!

Yeah, Sister! Love the camo. I feel like even though I never got a tat, I've been inked by God. Being a biker chick, you must have some challenges keeping the sun off your skin. I can live with the blotchy hands, but I really make sure I use sunscreen faithfully on my face to avoid the dark contrast.

My daughter recently had the same issue. It took months of going without makeup (and she is a sparkly girl!). She eventually found a few product that didn't bother her. She uses Jamberry nails now. I say get the doctor approved nail polish. You are worth it!

Yeah, Sister! Love the camo. I feel like even though I never got a tat, I've been inked by God. Being a biker chick, you must have some challenges keeping the sun off your skin. I can live with the blotchy hands, but I really make sure I use sunscreen faithfully on my face to avoid the dark contrast.

Yes! Gloves and long sleeves or a jacket year round and lotsa sunscreen for this biker chickie. I'm fortunate not to have much discoloration on my face although there would be a streak in my hair if I didn't already color it!