Is this allergies? And what could it be to?

[Sageadvice21]

Hi,

I'll start this by saying my GP surgery is notoriously difficult to get an actual appointment at and although they're good with tonsillitis, ear infections, etc, from previous experience, they are bad with general / broad / non-specific complaints, so I haven't tried there yet, but they are my next port of call.

I've got two issues, and I'm not sure whether they're related or not, but both been ongoing since probably September and showing no signs of improvement.

Firstly, I must wake up at least twice a week with a completely blocked nose, like can't breathe, then start sneezing and nose running, but it's doesn't seem at all like an illness and doesn't make me feel ill. I take anti-histamines in summer for outrageous hayfever (every year) and haven't been taking them as regularly over autumn / winter but when I do take them, it doesn't seem to impact it. The only thing that helps is the nasal sprays you can't use for more than 7 days at a time, so not a long term solution.

Secondly, I have always had terrible skin, childhood eczema, still have flare ups as an adult, often suffer with dry flaky skin, but usually manageable, never to the extent it is now - I've got what can only be described as what looks like chemical burns over my neck, chest and shoulders after I shower, even just in warm water, and despite moisturising (Vaseline, non scented, etc) all the time, it's still so dry, red, itchy and sore, as well as some persistent sore patches on my lower arms and the backs of my legs. Does occasionally improve with the use of an emollient / some use of an eczema steroid cream, but never sustained and usually reappears as soon as I stop using them. Changed shampoos for a month and then now changed washing powders for another month, and no change with either.

No major changes in diet, moisturiser, no regular medications.

I don't know if the two are related, or if one may be allergy related and the other not, but just thought I would post on the off chance someone has experienced something similar before and may have some advice as to things to try before I go to the GP.

If anyone can offer any advice it would be greatfully and appreciatively received. Thanks

Did you by any chance have covid prior to this? I've had trouble with blocked sinuses every night, weirdly mostly on left side, followed by runny nose the next morning ever since. I also am a hayfever/eczema type person but skin was much worse for months after covid in particular my hands which did look like chemical burns). I don't normally go to the doctors but when I had a covid jab I cheekily asked the Dr for prescription for steroid cream at the same time and she called it dermatitis. That did eventually resolve but it was 12 -18 months before my skin returned to its normal (needing a lot of moisturiser and sore itchy patches if I use perfumed hand wash or dare to touch washing up liquid).

I tick both of those boxes as well. You are likely allergic to bed mites and you need to make sure that your bedroom is not damp in anyway. Get a dehumidifier if it is. Then change your pillows, mattress, duvet etc. They will be riddled with bed mites. I change my pillows every 6 months and this and getting rid of damp is what has kept both nasal problems and skin under control.