I just had to share this.

Since moving to Korea, I have been in itchy agony every time I shower or wash the dishes and slop water onto my legs. I live on the economy, not on the base. This last weekend, my legs erupted into huge hives.

Went to the doc and his first question was, "Do you live off-base?" followed by "Can you move on base?"

I replied, "No, I have a cat." His confused face meant I had to explain further. On base housing forbids pets. (I understand why, because the next tenant might have severe pet allergies.)

He sighed and called the base honchos stupid. (I can't say I concur, because as a military brat, we had to live in on base housing temporarily several times and those things were never NEVER cleaned properly. So, I wouldn't want my Ki to potentially affect the next tenant.) Then he prescribed a pretty overwhelming regimen. I've had to replace my skin care regime with a lather-free/soap-free "allergen-free" cleanser that actually contains coconut oil derivitives (I'm highly allergic to the coconut, but it's supposed to be in a trace amount and to call him if I get worse and to go to the ER), two steriod creams, and two allergy medications. Each of the medications have food interactions, so I now have to tweak my eating schedule and sleep schedule to follow all these rules. All so I can live in a place that allows my cat.

And I'd do it forever if I had to. (But I shouldn't. Back to the States in August!!!)

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What's the significance of living off-base? I assume the doctor's saying that's what's causing the hives.

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Proud Mummy to:

Sam (born June 1999, found August 1999)
Milly (born May 1999, adopted September 1999)
Eva (born 2010, adopted us August 2011)

Um, the base water is treated differently than the off base water is. Because of the density of Seoul's population, they use a lot stronger chemicals in the water than most Americans are used to. And I believe the base housing uses water softeners.

I had no problem for two years in rural Japan (on the economy) or back home in Texas.

Some research I did on my own speculates that the piping they use in the tower apartments here are inferior quality and tend to leach minerals into the water. My friend who lives south of me, in a small town, visited me and she found our water quite harsh. She has eczema, so I trust her assessment of that.

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Ouchie - hopefully your hives come under control soon! it's under a year now til you get to go back Stateside.

I have to say the base housing thing is a bit odd to me - I grew up in British military housing with a couple dogs and rabbits and allsorts - pet owners just had to pay £50 to get the place steam cleaned after we moved out.

My brother has a dog, cat and lizards in military housing.