Shake, rattle and roll ...and scratch
Skin allergy stumps Elvis impersonator
'A Touch of Presley' was more of the 'itch of Presley' when an Elvis impersonator discovered his skin allergy was caused by his hip-swivelling job.
Mark Dobbs, of Barton, said he was 'all shook up' when his doctor revealed the reason behind his mysterious complaint.
"The last five months have been hell for me," Mark said.
"I perform my show, on average, three times a week and didn't think for one moment that my sleepless nights and constant pain was anything to do with my show."
The fire inspector and dad has been paying tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll with his show across the UK for the past three years.
He said he simply loved his job, which he performs in restaurants, pubs, clubs and private bookings, and gets a real buzz out of putting a "touch of Presley" into peoples' lives.
But in the past five months, Mark has been in terrible pain with an allergic reaction across his skin.
He put it down to perhaps a change in washing powder.
But, after a visit to the dermatology department at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital, where numerous allergy tests were carried out, he was told he was in actual fact allergic to dressing as Elvis.
Mark said his results showed he was allergic to black hair dye - a must for any tribute artist unless they use a wig - leather - his favourite Elvis suit happens to be the black leathers '68 comeback special - and nickel, which is contained in most of his costume jewellery.
He also found any "cain mix" which can be found in most throat lozenges, needed to keep his vocal chords active, was an irritant.
But, the King look-alike said, he enjoyed performing his shows so much there was no way he would stop for a scratch.
"Some adjustments will need to be made," he said.
"I'm determined to overcome this hiccup in my career."
"So, in a word, allergy or no allergy, I'm determined to encourage the spirit of Elvis lives on for many years to come."
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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