inbitesizes

6 weeks into the rashes Finally bade goodbye to the itch (PHEW)! Spots have faded quite a bit though my skin still looks patchy. I also stopped topical steroid cream this week since the itch hasn't been bothering me. I understand it helps a little in terms of fading scars but I am too, concerned how it thins the skin. Especially so that I consistently applied it for the past month or so. Also noted that the packaging of the cream cautioned about application spanning over a month. 7 weeks into the rashes While I've not developed any new spots, my skin's been itching this week. I reckon it's the healing and drying out. A closer look at my skin and I can see it's somewhat scaly, tight and visibly dry. Also I've been scratching (where did my discipline go?) hence bigger, broad bumps have emerged. They aren't the inflamed, raw-looking bumps like what we saw initially. I guess it's just irritation from my constant, guilty scratching. Resumed topica...

4 weeks into the rashes Definitely noticed less bumps on my torso. Most have flattened to light brown, crusty-to-feel spots. Fewer but bigger bumps still emerge on the four limbs. Like before, they first appear like welts that itch considerably and eventually subside to tinier but lingering red spots. Usually within an hour or two. I also noticed this seem to aggravate at night. I had correlated this to night showers but a trip abroad proved otherwise. Was out till late one night and the welt-like bumps came still. Also stopped my Physiogel body moisturiser for the time-being. At least for the limbs. It was making the welts feel rawer, and longer to subside. Still, am consciously reminded not to scratch. 5 weeks into the rashes Things have improved tremendously over the week. Hardly noticed new bumps on my torso. For the past few days, I didn't notice welts on my limbs either. I've also resumed my body moisturiser! The greatest relief though, is that I'm ...

Pity what? Pityriasis Rosea. I was just properly diagnosed.  As much as I've been reaping information that's vastly online, I thought it'll be good too, to share my experiences. Hopefully it'll help someone like how I found emotional relatedness reading off forums / googling the now attuned Pityriasis Rosea or PR. -- Brief recap: 6 weeks back Came down with a terribly bad sore throat and other mild flu-like symptoms. Didn't think too much about it. Went to a GP who prescribed lozenges and something else I can't remember. We decided to skip the antibiotics and let the body fight the virus itself.  More than 2 weeks back Was unconsciously scratching the side of my tummy (just to the right of my belly button). Again, didn't think too much about it. I mean, itch isn't something new right? Boy, was I wrong. Over the next few days, I kind of recall the itch spreading outwards. Didn't pay much attention though. I  vaguely recall wonde...

Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ☆ Pros Gentle Doesn't over-dry skin Paraben-free Super greens as it claims, provides much benefits to the skin Eco-friendly You may like the smell Readily available at drugstores Cons Comes in a tub, so application may be a little messy and unhygienic Consistency is thick, so it may be difficult to apply an even layer You may not like the strong smell Personal thoughts I ran out of the TSURURI Mild Sea Clay Pack and decided to give this a try. Consistency-wise, this is much thicker than the former, making it a little difficult to spread. I found myself picking up more formula to apply an even spread across my face. That said, it's  still difficult to ensure an even application. Interestingly, the formula turns increasingly transparent as it dries. I do feel it's gentler than the TSURURI Mild Sea Clay Pack  and doesn't tug the skin as much. Easy to wash off and leaves my skin feeling soft. Love that it doesn...

Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ Pros Absorbs quickly into skin Doesn't leave a sticky after-effect Comes with SPF 50+ PA+++ Comes with a pump for easy application Spreads easily across skin during application Readily available at drugstores Cons Not exactly as hydrating as its claim to be "Extra Moist" Personal thoughts I was looking for a daily body sunscreen that ideally has some kind of dual function as a body lotion too. (Yes that's right, not denying that laziness)  Stumbled into this, decided to give it a shot, prayed hard it wouldn't have a sticky after-effect (everyone's fear of sunscreen) and it checked all :)! I love that it spreads smoothly and there's hardly any sticky residue after application.  I love it more that it has a highly decent SPF and PA protection. I like it too, that it serves as a body serum though I wouldn't say it's the most hydrating one around. In terms of hydration,  Nivea Intensive Moi...

Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ Pros Organic, natural and chemical-free Leaves hair feeling soft and smooth Hydrates and tame hair ends Cons Can be messy  Has a strong, almost herby smell that lingers even after rinse May be difficult to find from local marts Personal thoughts I've replaced my organic coconut oil  hair mask regime with this. Reasons being it's more hydrating i.e. oilier, and this means to take note for those with oilier scalps.  There's plenty of articles detailing the benefits of jojoba oil for hair e.g. promotes hair growth, hydrates hair, etc. I'm not quite sure about hair growth but my hair definitely feels softer and more manageable.  Typically, I mask my hair just before shower.  I'll pour a little (you won't need a lot) jojoba oil on my palm, rub my palms together and run my palms and fingers through my hair. Tip: Best to comb out your hair prior to this! Leave on for ~20mins. I bun my hair up too so it doesn't...

Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ☆ Pros SPF 30 Water-resistant Doesn't leave a sticky feeling on the lips after application Relatively affordable Readily available at drugstores Cons Less hydrating in Nivea's range of lip balm Drags a little across the lips during application Leaves a slight pale yellow tint on lips Personal thoughts I got this for a holiday to the beach. A great find at its price point for a lip balm with SPF 30. Water-resistant too, awesome for water activities! First impression was its pale yellow lip balm that leaves a slight tint on the lips. Kind of like applying a thin layer of concealer. (Which I found out was a nice complement to an ombre lip makeup!) Application however, isn't the smoothest at all. Drags across the lips more than I would like. That being said, it doesn't leave a stick after-effect on the lips like some balms do. And it does keep the slightly chapped lips soft, though I would love if it's more hydrat...