What to do when allergic to shower gel?

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For some people, chemicals in bath products, cosmetics, and detergents can trigger an allergic skin reaction. In particular, shower gel allergies in infants and adults sometimes cause skin to peel, redden or cause itching.

1. Causes of shower gel allergy

Shower gel allergy is a condition that occurs when the immune system overreacts to harmless chemicals, what doctors call allergic contact dermatitis. These chemicals can be found in familiar products you've been exposed to many times. Even if you have used these products before, you may still experience an allergic reaction to the shower gel.
In addition to shower gels, cosmetics and personal care items also contain many potentially allergenic substances, including:
Scented soaps, perfumes, deodorants, body lotions, cosmetics products, detergents and tissues; Preservative and antibacterial, added to many solutions to keep them from spoiling; Substances added to thicken, color, or lubricate in certain products; Chemicals in hair dyes and other styling products; Formaldehyde compound - an ingredient found in many nail care products; Sunscreen, often added to cosmetics such as moisturizers, lip balms, and foundations; Rubber products (latex), tattoo ink, henna, nickel or other metal products.

2. Shower gel allergy symptoms

The warning signs of a shower gel allergy usually show up first on the skin. Symptoms will appear 24 - 48 hours or as late as 1 week from the time you are exposed to the irritating chemical. Everyone can experience shower gel allergy symptoms differently, but the most common are:
Redness of the skin; Flaky, scaly; There are blisters that come out; skin stinging or possibly intense itching; Swelling of the eyes, face and genitals; Rash or hives; Skin is sensitive to the sun; Dark, rough and cracked skin. The symptoms above tend to get worse as you continue to touch the allergen. If you have an allergic reaction on your finger and then touch another part of your body, such as your face or neck, that area may also have an allergic reaction.
However, there are a number of other conditions that also cause similar symptoms to shower gel allergy, so you should see a doctor to be examined and find out the exact cause.

3. Diagnosing shower gel allergy

Allergy to shower gel when should you see a doctor? It is necessary to visit a dermatology clinic for examination and diagnosis in the following cases:
You have a fever accompanied by an allergic skin reaction; Skin showing signs of infection (warmth or oozing with fluid); Symptoms that greatly interfere with daily living; Allergies are widespread; Allergies appear on the face or genitals; Symptoms do not improve over time. Usually a doctor can diagnose a shower gel allergy by doing a physical exam and asking questions about the patient's symptoms. Detailed information will help your doctor monitor and diagnose the condition, namely:
What you did in the 24-48 hours before the onset of the allergic reaction; All cosmetic chemicals that have been used in recent times; Frequency of use of each product; Areas of skin that have been exposed to chemicals, even those without symptoms; Previous history of skin allergy. Sometimes, you may be asked to see a dermatologist for a skin test, also known as a patch test. Your doctor will put some small chemical samples on your back and check to see if you have a rash.

4. Treatment of shower gel allergy

4.1. Mild symptoms In the case of only a mild skin reaction, you can self-treat at home with over-the-counter medicines such as:
Apply calamine lotion; Apply an antihistamine, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin); Use cortisone ointment. In addition, you can consider using oatmeal to replace shower gel, combined with gentle lotion lotion, which works to reduce itching of shower gel allergies. In addition, cool compresses also help reduce irritation and have a quick effect.
4.2. Serious reactions When you have a severe reaction, your body releases IgE antibodies that cause facial swelling, a rash around the mouth, and other more severe symptoms. If you experience frequent or severe shower gel allergies, it's important to see a specialist to find out the cause and prescribe an appropriate body wash allergy medication. For example:
Take prednisone; Wet dressing for baby shower allergy ; Antibiotics (if infection is present).

5. Note when allergic to shower gel

It is important to first identify and avoid chemicals suspected of causing allergic reactions. If you already know which ingredients your body is usually sensitive to, you need to carefully read the labels on skin care products in the future shopping process.
In addition, to prevent and cure allergic reactions to shower gel, keep the following notes in mind:
If you accidentally or must come into contact with that product, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. as soon as possible; If you have an allergen on your hands, do not touch other parts of your body until you have washed your hands; Clothing or jewelry that may have been exposed to irritating chemicals should be removed and washed; Avoid scratching the area of ​​​​the skin that is allergic because it can cause infection; If you use nail care products, wait until the color is completely dry before touching other areas of skin. To summarize, a bath milk allergy in babies and adults occurs when the body is extremely sensitive to an ingredient in skin care products that is inherently safe. The immune system response is activated, releasing IgE antibodies and causing a range of symptoms, including burning, itching, redness,...
Finding the cause and avoiding allergens is the way to go. Only to keep the skin free from irritation and itching allergy shower gel . If you experience severe symptoms, it is necessary to see a doctor for a timely diagnosis and treatment of shower gel allergy, to prevent the condition from getting worse.

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Reference source: healthline.com; webmd.com