I am 64. I believe I ate too many shiitakes as our logs were loaded this fall. I broke out in a swollen, red, itchy rash on my face, left arm, and vulva. Prior to that I had for years a sensitive left arm that got itchy at the slightest stress; this problem was usually alleviated with stinging nettle. For one year I have been keeping lichen sclerosus (developed after 5 wks. of eating according to a metabolic typing protocol) , at bay with red clover tea and tinctures of dandelion, yellow dock, and burdock. I stopped all that and began a fast 12 days ago, mostly our good well water with some fresh juices now and then such as romaine-chickweed-lemon and beet-carrot-cucumber as well as carrot-ginger, some apple. My face and vulva are mostly cleared up while my arm started to slowly clear up, until day 7-8 when what I assumed was detox kicked in. Now my arm is inflamed, scaly, itchy and my chest has also broken out in the same manner. No matter what I apply for relief the skin remains so sore that movement is uncomfortable. I cannot even sleep on my side.
I have been using the following intermittent aids for relief: chickweed tincture, valerian & skullcap tincture, chamomile compress, tea tree & witch hazel, Rescue Remedy, baths with drawing crystals or baking soda, 2% lidocaine, coconut oil, olive oil, honey, Camo-Care. Nothing brings sustained relief. Daytimes are easier as I can be busier. Nights are hell; I am sleep-deprived and becoming grumpy, frustrated, even considering ways to end my life despite having much to live for - a wonderful, loving husband, son & daughter, a beautiful life in the country, big garden (still full of food) , no debts, many interests and friends.
A noted herbalist chastised me for being mostly vegetarian and eating mostly raw. She doesn't think fasting is wise and urged me to eat more meat and dairy. We do have many organic farms here with free-range, happy animals. However, fasting is the only way I know of to purge my body of toxins and problems. I have only had 1 enema - yesterday, relying on apple juice for some peristaltic action.
Any knowledgeable insights are appreciate.