Make Face // Bleach Baths

Last night I began a new regime for my dermatitis. This new regime is focused at clearing the bacterial infections I seem to be prone to, healing the sores and patches of new ezcema that have surfaced and eventually, hopefully, maybe, toes and fingers crossed might actually do some good for my skin over the 12 week period. 

I'm back using steroid creams, Fucid Lipid and Fucidion H for my body and face respectively, on top of having five baths a week. Two of which are bleach baths.Bleach. Yes you read that right. Sounds scary I know, but its been known to really help. I imagine I'm gonna smell like a swimming pool slightly. 

Like I've said, the reason for the bleach baths is to clear any bacterial infections that are lingering in any open sores and also bacteria that is living on the skin. The bleach will reduce your itching, redness and any scaling. Of course, you cant just rely on the bleach baths to work some miracle on your skin problems, continue with your normal topical cream use and moisturise too. After my first one last night, I haven't been severely itchy today. Which is a nice change as the last week Ive been demented with the itch. I don't think I'll ever be able to properly describe what its like when I get an extreme itch, its like nothing Ive ever experienced before... I could itch for several minutes and not get any relief, plus I'll use whatever rough material I can get my hands on to really scratch that itch. The 20 minutes of possesion by my itch will usually end in broken, red, tender, bleeding swollen and raw cracks in my skin.. So today has been a nice change and hope it may become the norm for me.

So how do you go about creating your swimming pool smelling bath? If properly diluted and used as directed, a bleach bath is safe for everyone who suffers from eczema or psoriasis. Bleach wise, I personally use milton as it was recommended to me by my consultant. 

• Add 1/2 cup (118 mililiters) of bleach to 40 gallons ( 151 liters) of warm water - a full bathtub up to the drainage holes. Use household bleach, not concentrated bleach. Last night, I added two capfuls of the bottle to my bath which seemed enough as I could feel the sting when I got into the water.
• Soak from the neck down. DO NOT submerge your head or face. Soack for max 10 minutes.
• Rinse off afterwards, and gently pat dry with a towel.
• Immediately apply moisturiser generously.
• Take a bleach bath no more than three times a week.

Now I didn't experience sever dryness after my bath last night, but don't be surprised if you feel very dry. If you use too much bleach or take too many bleach baths it can make your skin dry. If your skin is cracked or very dry, any bath — including a bleach bath — may be painful, my neck and back of my legs were stinging for the time I was in it. Also, make sure to wear a shower cap, scoop all your hair into it if you don't want to accidentally bleach your hair.


Of course, talk to your doctor and dermatologist before trying an eczema bleach bath.

Lesley Anastasia x 

Primary School Crush

Remember that tall blonde surf-style boy you had the biggest crush on in fourth class? And how everyone wore puka necklaces with their moose embossed T-shirts? Now fast forward over ten years and you've just happened to run into the same dirty blonde surf boy in your local pub. You  realise he's all grown up and he's invested in a pretty snazzy leather jacket and plaid shirt. Your hearts starts to flutter all over again, and you remember why you  had such a thing for him when you were younger. 

Sometimes those dream like scenarios can prove time has worked its undeniable magic. That in some cases, an old flame might be worth another go can even though it seems obscure, that, that is something that only happens in movies. 

Now brace yourself and imagine the exactly same scenario on your oldest and dearest fashion faux pas of every Irish tween. Abercrombie & Fitch. It would appear aul A&F has gotten all grown up. The label that defined our generation with its ridiculously large logo embossed coloured jumpers and tiered ruffle skirts went to study sociology at Trinity, ditched the whole "you can't sit with us" popular kid syndrome and all of a sudden now is quite a mellow, approachable individual. 

Take a look at the brands A/W Lookbook and see for yourself. The collection is made up of comfortable go to staple separates, that will in theory stand the test of time and the forever changing trends. It's the grey cotton loose T-shirts, relaxed button up plaid and white shirts, and denim - that I can vouch for, has a good fit went as I went and tried on a pair - that all have that universal appeal of simple basics that don't settle into a 'primary school like' clique. The cherry on the metaphorical surf boy cake is that, that horrible in your face branding of the logo is nowhere to be seen. An oh so subtle A&F or moose is all that will you find on its new collection.

 I've already bought two pieces from their new streamlined collection, a grey cotton tee that is probably one of the few T-shirts I own that the shoulder seams actually lay on my shoulders. Broad shoulder people say whaaaat.  Also a quite silky looking grey jersey shirt/blouse that drapes at the front to create a deep v, with three quarter length slim fitting sleeves.

I'll post photos on my instagram so check it out if you don't already my username is @lazerbeam2_0.

So there you have it Abercrombie & Fitch are all grown up, and might fine thery're looking.

OOTD // Audrey Vibes

With the UV Therapy taking its toll on my skin, and summer sun coming out to play still - has no one told it is September?  I have to be extra careful these days about my sun exposure. And so my 'summer' wardrobe hasn't been overly summery this year. Today I went for an Audrey Hepburn vibe. All black, slicked back hair with a pop of colour with my newly bought COS socks - which are extremely silky and soft. If I look a bit stiff in these photos, it is because I am stiff. The UV therapy at the minute is burning me, and the burn is exactly the same as if I were to be burnt from the sun. My body is piping hot, and a shade of tomato red. You can see the brightness of my chest popping through in these photos. 

Until next time,

L 

x