Chemical Allergies
Chemical Allergies
For some people, the chemicals in cosmetics, shampoos, and detergents can trigger allergic skin reactions. Chemical allergy describes the adverse health effects that may result when exposure to a chemical elicits an immune response. Allergy develops in two phases. In the first phase, exposure of an inherently susceptible subject results in stimulation of an immune response or immunological priming.
Causes
These allergic reactions which are often referred to as contact dermatitis happen when your immune system overreacts to chemicals that are normally harmless. They can be in products you're exposed to over and over, like cleaners, colognes, hair dyes, and personal care items. Even if your customer / patient has used them before, they can still have a reaction. This is because cosmetics and personal care products have a lot of potential allergens, things they could be allergic to for example:- Fragrances in soaps, colognes, deodorants, body creams, cosmetics, detergents, and tissues.
- Preservatives and antibacterials, added to many liquids to keep them from spoiling.
- Substances added to thicken, colour, or lubricate a product.
- Chemicals in hair products e.g., shampoos and permanent hair dyes.
- Formaldehyde resins an ingredient in many nail care products.
- Sunscreens, often found in cosmetic moisturizers, lip balms, and foundations.
Symptoms
The skin is one of the first places where the warning signs can show up. They often appear 24 to 48 hours later but can start as late as a week after the customer comes in contact with the irritating chemical. Each person may have different chemical allergy symptoms. Some of the most common are:- Red skin.
- Scaly patches.
- Hives.
- Blisters that ooze.
- Intense itching and or burning.
- Swelling of the face, eyes, and genital areas.
- Sun sensitivity.
- Darkened, "leathery," and cracked skin.
- Washing the skin with soap and water as soon as possible. If they have the allergen on their hands, don't touch other parts of their body until they have washed and dried their hands.
- Washing clothes or jewellery that might have come in contact with the irritating chemical.
- When using nail care products, make sure the product has dried before touching skin.
- Recommend over-the-counter medications e.g., calamine lotion, antihistamines, and or mild topical corticosteroids.
