My Worst and Most Embarrassing Flare Up

In the spring of 2011, I went on a trip to the Philippines to visit my wife's family. The main purpose of this journey was to meet them and to eventually seek her family's blessings before our marriage. Having not visited the Philippines since 2006, I was anxious and nervous at the same time. We had plans to explore various islands, witness a dear friend's wedding, and seek approval from my fiancée's family before getting married.

When did the trip take a turn?

The journey started off well - we were enjoying ourselves on the plane and even had a satisfying complimentary lunch. However, things took a turn when I realized that my meal contained traces of egg, to which I am allergic. Unfortunately, I had already finished my meal before noticing the ingredient that would soon lead to my discomfort and additional challenges.

How did the allergic reaction impact my eczema?

Soon after eating, I began to experience stomach discomfort with frequent visits to the bathroom. The situation worsened upon our arrival as my entire hand started to flare up, appearing red and covered in numerous bumpy rashes. What was meant to be an exciting trip turned into a disaster due to this unexpected allergic reaction.