Signs of cosmetic allergy

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Cosmetic products, such as soaps, lotions, face and eye makeup, and fragrances, can all cause allergies in some people. This is an overreaction of the immune system to substances that may be harmless, but repeated over and over can cause skin damage and loss of beauty.

1. What are the risk factors for cosmetic allergies?

Cosmetics are substances that are applied to the surface of the skin (moisturizers and makeup), hair (shampoo and conditioner) or nails (polish and lacquer) designed to temporarily change a person's appearance. People. The composition of cosmetics is often a complex mixture of perfumes, emulsifiers, sunscreens, colorants, metals, fats and preservatives that should be completely washed away after use.
Cosmetic allergy urticaria is very common, as cosmetics are more and more widely used. Your doctor will distinguish allergic sensitization from simple irritation. The true prevalence of cosmetic sensitization is not known, as those affected may have simply stopped using the offending product rather than alerting a doctor.
The mechanism of allergenic cosmetics can cause direct skin irritation or immune-mediated allergic reactions. Usually, irritation will occur the first time an individual uses a cosmetic, as opposed to an allergic reaction which will require repeated exposure. Some people with extremely sensitive skin will often be intolerant to many different cosmetics.

2. Signs of cosmetic allergy

Since most people often apply cosmetics to the face, this location is often associated with cosmetic skin reactions and dermatitis. Women are more often affected than men because they tend to use cosmetics more.
Facial cosmetic allergy causes a rash that usually presents as an area of ​​red, scaly, dry, and itchy skin, dermatitis and urticaria and is usually limited to the area where the cosmetic is applied (eg, eyelids may irritation after applying eye shadow). Occasionally, skin reactions to cosmetics can appear as blisters, whereby it can be difficult to distinguish on the basis of appearance whether the reaction is allergic or irritating.
Besides, the patient can sometimes experience a stinging sensation immediately after applying a cosmetic or it can be delayed until a day or two later. Less commonly, facial cosmetic allergy manifestations can include blackheads, folliculitis, and darkening of the skin.

3. How is cosmetic allergy diagnosed?

Dermatologists have the most experience in diagnosing and treating cosmetic allergies or intolerances.
If a cosmetic is considered a potential cause of a skin reaction, the patient can perform a three or four-day "use" test by repeatedly applying the substance to the same area of ​​the skin of the lower leg. hand. If a reaction occurs, the doctor may perform additional types of allergy testing to determine the exact identity of the offending substance in the cosmetic mixture.
The patient will then be instructed to avoid the products as well as avoid further exposure to the same allergenic ingredient in other cosmetic products. Besides, there are some common skin diseases that can easily be confused with cosmetic allergy urticaria. The best way to tell them apart is to avoid using the particular cosmetic mentioned for two or three weeks. If the rash goes away and then recurs when using the cosmetic again, chances are the problem is with the cosmetic. On the other hand, if the rash persists, it could be due to a skin disease such as seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis or some other problem.

4. How to treat cosmetic allergies?

Mild cases of cosmetic allergy will usually resolve on their own without treatment as long as the user should avoid the offending product.
More serious skin reactions usually respond to treatment with 1% hydrocortisone cream that can be purchased without a prescription. If this therapy is not successful, the person should see a doctor for stronger topical steroids.
If the source of a cosmetic allergy is an irritating chemical, it would be prudent to avoid using that substance, when present in other products. At this time, the allergy will subside quickly after a few days. A dermatologist can determine which ingredients on cosmetic labels may be causing this problem.
If the reaction is due to an allergy to an ingredient documented by the patch test, that particular ingredient should be avoided by carefully reading the cosmetic label. This can be a challenge at times, as some additives in beauty products may have several brand names. Although an immediate allergic reaction to a chemical resolves within a few weeks, the tendency to react upon re-exposure cannot be permanently eliminated.

5. How to prevent cosmetic allergy?

The best way to avoid cosmetic allergies is to avoid cosmetics altogether. However, this is not practical, using cosmetics with ingredients with minimal risk of causing allergies can be the most helpful way.
In short, allergies to makeup products are difficult to prevent, so to minimize this situation, before using cosmetics you should carefully read the ingredient list, choose to buy products at brands. reputation. To be more sure, you can test a little on the wrist to see the reaction and then you can use.
Besides, to make sure cosmetic allergies do not affect health and aesthetics, you should go to medical facilities to be checked by a doctor and have appropriate indications.
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Reference source: fda.gov - womensbest.com - medicinenet.com