Thread by @MaryRobinette

PSA: If you have an allergic reaction to urushi lacquer, it's worth knowing that prescribing a corticosteroid creme can cause "superimposed forms of contact dermatitis in many people."

In other news, I won't show you pictures of the blisters on my hands.

sciencedirect.com/science/articl…

Anticipated FAQ:
Q: Do you want medical advice?
A: Only if you have experience with urushiol allergies.

Q: Have you stopped using the ointment?
A: Yes.

Q: Are you seeing a dermatologist?
A: Yes. But the 1st available appoint met is December 5.

Q: Have you tried this thing that I used for this unrelated medical condition?
A: No.

Q: Well what about this other thing that sounds related but totally isn't.
A: I haven't tried that either.

Q: Blisters on your hands?!?!
A: Yes.

Q: ON YOUR HANDS?!?
A: Yes. Between the fingers, like dyshidrotic eczema, and starting to appear on the palm.

Q: Well, have you tried [laundry list of eczema remedies]?
A: In desperation, yes, I have tried some of those. It made it worse, thanks. Because it's not the same thing.

Q: Okay, but what about trying this other folk remedy?
A: Did you not hear the part about only wanting medical advice if you have direct experience with an urushiol allergy?

Q: I'm a dermatologist, read the article, live in Nashville, and have an opening. Do you want it?
A: Yes.

PS: If you have an urushi pen, you're fine.

This is only an issue with uncured lacquer. Once it's cured, it's non-reactive and food-safe.

PPS Just learned THIS fun fact that I had to share with everyone who has read this far.

https://twitter.com/therealfitz/status/1198694576158117889

I HAVE A DERMATOLOGY APPOINTMENT TODAY.

It occurred to me to call the office directly and say "I think I'm having an allergic reaction to the ointment" and they are getting me in right away.

The clinic that referred me to them didn't make that clear.

My least favorite take from a doctor is "I've been in this business x amount of time and I've never heard of this. So it can't be that." Followed by "It's extremely rare, so it can't be that either."

Both, coupled with a variation on you're imagining things, and a sexist joke?

I took in the study about the urushi lacquer reactions and he actually said "Where's this from? Ugh. China."

Then proceeded to offer me a stronger steroid ointment because the article "has to be wrong. I prescribe steroids for poison ivy all the time."

I declined the steroid ointment, but did accept a steroid injection (thank you to the unhappy folks who have had this reaction to urushiol) and a non-steroidal ointment.

I also declined a follow-up visit. I'll find a different dermatologist.

Oh! AND when he asked me why I was using it. I explained that I'd been attempting a kintsugi repair as an anniversary present.

Dr: So the rash was part of the anniversary gift?
Me: I guess so.
Dr. Better than the rash most women give their husbands. Ha ha!

A tweet vanished earlier, because my battery died.

After the "This is from China?" comment, I pointed out that it was from Japan, where they make this lacquer and did a broad study.

"Wherever."

The new ointment made the itching worse. The instructions say "often causes itching for the first few days of use" and "do not put on healthy skin."

You can see where my fingers touched my face while holding my phone after putting on the ointment.

So that's fun.