Helen Dudson

“I feel confident, hopeful and thankful”

47-year-old civil servant Helen Dudson had been struggling for years with persistent eczema around her eyes, along with stomach bloating and general discomfort. These issues had slowly worn her down, not just physically, but mentally too, impacting her daily life and chipping away at her self-esteem.

The eczema on her face made her feel incredibly self-conscious. As anyone who has experienced skin issues will know, the emotional toll can be just as intense as the physical. Helen found it impossible to wear makeup, which only deepened her insecurities and made her hesitant to socialise. More and more, she found herself avoiding people, preferring to stay indoors.

On top of this, the bloating and stomach discomfort became increasingly painful and distressing. It knocked her confidence even further and made her reluctant to exercise, robbing her of not just a healthier lifestyle, but a key way of boosting her mental wellbeing too.

Helen deserved better. She deserved to feel well in her own skin and confident in her everyday life.

Before discovering YorkTest, Helen had spoken with her GP and tried multiple treatments. She was referred for patch testing and prescribed various steroid creams, emollients, and moisturisers over the years. While they sometimes provided short-term relief, they never offered lasting results.

The turning point came when Helen noticed her eye swelling and eczema flare-ups becoming more frequent and severe. Frustrated and unsure where to turn next, she remembered a friend recommending YorkTest, pointing to our fantastic track record and brilliant reputation. Feeling she had nothing to lose, she decided to give us a try.

From the moment she ordered her test, Helen was impressed. She found the service efficient, supportive, easy to navigate, and very helpful. When her results came back, they revealed a high intolerance to cow’s milk protein and yeast: findings that surprised her, especially since milk had been a big part of her diet.

Thankfully, she didn’t have to figure everything out alone. Our nutritionist team guided her through alternatives and helped her build a diet that worked for her lifestyle. Helen noted that our team was ‘perfectly helpful’ and supportive. 

The changes brought almost immediate results.

Within just a few weeks, Helen noticed a dramatic improvement. Her symptoms were, in her own words, “loads, loads better.” Her skin cleared up significantly, and while she still experiences the occasional flare-up, it’s nothing compared to what she used to deal with before. Her confidence has returned, and with it, a new sense of control over her life and wellbeing.

Bloating is now a rarity, only cropping up if she accidentally consumes yeast. Through her experience, she came to understand the clear connection: cow’s milk triggered her skin issues, and yeast caused her digestive discomfort.

She’s since stuck to her new dietary plan, making permanent lifestyle changes. She’s cut out bread and other high-yeast foods, but found she can tolerate very small amounts without issue. That said, she’s also noticed what happens when she slips up. A bit too much yeast? The bloating returns. A little cheese because she fancies a treat (don’t worry, we’ve all been there, Helen!)? Her skin flares up again. 

Despite the occasional challenge, Helen is immensely grateful for her journey with YorkTest. She feels “confident, hopeful, and thankful”. She’s regained her confidence, feels more in tune with her body, and finally has answers after years of guessing and struggling.

If Helen’s story sounds familiar, and you’re battling similar symptoms without any clear cause, why not reach out to our expert team and try one of our at-home health tests? You might be surprised by what you discover, and like Helen, it could be the start of a whole new chapter in your health and happiness.