I remember it like it was yesterday; I hugged my dad and then the unimaginable happened – I went into anaphylactic shock. It was so bad I ended up in intensive care. As I started to recover my dad hugged me again and the same thing happened. It was then we all realised it was my dad’s aftershave which had set off the reaction. By Julianne Ponan
I found out I was allergic to many foods at a very young age – when I was a toddler, I became very ill at preschool. I was then tested, and my daily battle with diet and food began. It soon became clear, however, that my allergies extended beyond food: when certain substances touched my skin, I had the same reactions as with a food allergy. I suspect I was around five years old when this became obvious. Like most children, I liked to try out my mum’s makeup products, but as I got older, I soon realized I would have to take extra care with any skincare or makeup products.
In my case, a reaction tends not to be a rash or itchy skin – it quickly becomes more serious, affecting my breathing, and I can go into full anaphylaxis. I have to be extremely careful. There’s very little warning for me – no preliminary rash, swollen skin, or dramatic itching. For me, it starts with struggling to breathe as my airway swells, followed by intense panic, and immediate action is required before my airways close completely.
‘I am scared to try new things particularly around skincare’
Calvin Klein Eternity for Men is an aftershave I cannot tolerate. For example, when travelling overseas, I have to be accompanied through any airport duty-free area, just in case strong aromas trigger my allergies. I travel internationally quite often for work – to shows, to source products, or to meet suppliers – and while flying, I’m constantly worried that someone might eat nuts on the plane, which could trigger a severe anaphylactic reaction. I’ve had numerous incidents where I’ve been told to “put up and shut up,” as airline staff often will not make an announcement. Huge shout-out to EasyJet, which has recently introduced a blanket ban on nuts on its flights.
I do feel isolated sometimes. I don’t have as many choices as others, and I am scared to try new things, particularly skincare, makeup, body lotion, soaps, or anything similar. I wouldn’t, for example, go to a friend’s party, as I’d spend the whole time worrying.
I always stick with the same brands and never change. That may sound easy, but these brands can alter the composition of their products without making it clear. Several times, I’ve forgotten to check and had a bad reaction, forcing me to take urgent action. I wish they would make such changes very clear! At the moment, my main go-to brands are Dior, Chanel Chance, and Original Source/Radox.
‘I’m constantly explaining as to why an allergy can be very severe’
carry an EpiPen at all times, along with what I call my “allergy bag,” which always contains antihistamines, antibacterial wipes, and water. This makes me feel safer and ensures I – or someone with me – can act quickly if something happens. I ask questions when I’m out in shops about any kind of food, though this is not always well received.
Because much of my life revolves around my business, Creative Nature, I find networking events particularly challenging. There’s often an expectation to shake hands or hug someone I haven’t seen for a while, but I’m hesitant because I don’t know what they might have on their skin. I try not to show this, and those who know me well understand. I also worry about saying no to trying new foods in front of professional colleagues, as this usually leads to a long explanation about my condition – often irrelevant to the purpose of the meeting. I find myself constantly explaining why an allergy can be severe and that it’s not just a matter of getting a rash. do that as I don’t know what they have on their skin. I try not to show this and those who know me really well understand it.
Lemons into lemonade: The launch of Creative Nature Superfoods
When I took over the brand in its original form, the company was selling a range of completely different products. I saw it as an opportunity to try to create snack products where no one has to miss out anymore. The response has been incredible and today our range enables people with any of the top 14 allergens to feel safe in consuming the products. We created our baking mixes because I used to not be able to have birthday cakes as a child – due to not being able to guarantee products were allergen free. Also, why should I always, as a busy person, have to make my own food from scratch.
The baking mix and snack bars are a safe ‘food on the go’ option for someone like me who gets fed up of always having to do it yourself when it came to cooking for snacking.
Julianne’s Top Tips:
There are a range of allergens which can cause anaphylaxis in people like me – the most common are peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish (and any product which contains them) also insect stings can cause them, some prescription drugs can also cause this reaction, particularly if delivered via injection as it’s straight into the blood stream. Here are my 3 top tips for those suffering from allergies:
- Don’t hide away, when you have an allergy speak up and share your stories and challenges. The more people are aware and educated, the better our lives within society will become. It will not be a pain to cater for us and our needs
- Always ensure you carry an Epi-pen – and that people around you know you have one and where it is
- When trying new products try them in a safe place with people who understand around you, they can act quickly if things go wrong
