Results

 I went back to the doctor yesterday to have the patch tests and tape removed from my back and the results read. The doctor found 7 things that I'm allergic to, two of which are commonly used in manufacturing shoes. Here's a snapshot of the information sheets I was given on the things I need to avoid:

It's the p-tert-Butylphenol Formaldehyde Resin and the Black Rubber Mix that are commonly used in shoes. Bacitracin, a topical antibiotic, was a surprise, and everything else can be found in my shampoo, detergent, deodorant, etc. It's going to be fun trying to find alternatives for everything (sarcasm) not to mention looking for shoe alternatives that don't use the resins and rubber that I react to, but at least now I have some answers. 

Patches

After work yesterday I went to see my allergist for patch testing. Here's what my back currently looks like.

I have to wear these all weekend. I go back Monday afternoon to have the tape and patches removed so that the sites can be evaluated for allergic reactions. This means that I can't shower until then, only take small "bird baths", and if I want to wash my hair I have to do it with my head over the sink. I'm not supposed to let this area get wet.

So it's going to be a long, grubby weekend for me. Thank goodness I didn't make any plans for the first few days of my break! I'm a shower girl all the way, and I usually wash my hair every day. Oh well!