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Medicanet 
conditions and treatments
allergies
Cosmetic Allergy |
Cosmetic AllergyAccording to the American Academy of Dermatology, an average adult uses seven different cosmetic products each day like moisturizers, creams, shampoos, conditioners, various make-ups and other cosmetics to groom themselves.
Cosmetics are often used to beautify a body, but if a person is allergic to some cosmetics then it might result in sever skin irritation and other reactions. Many ingredients used in cosmetics like fragrances, preservatives or solvent can trigger an allergic reaction in the body by acting as an antigen.
Although cosmetic allergies are uncommon, on an average 10% of a country’s population is expected to have allergies in their lifetime with some or the other form of cosmetics. Considering the gender, it goes without saying that women are more susceptible to cosmetic allergies then man.
Symptoms of a cosmetic reaction
Basically cosmetic allergic reactions manifest in two major forms – irritant contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis.
When a cosmetic comes in direct contact with the skin, it can cause blistering skin rash, itchiness, redness or swelling.
Irritant contact dermatitis is more common and develops when a harsh substance actually breaks down and damages the skin injuring the outer layer resulting in the symptoms.
A scaly or itchy red skin can soon develop in to blisters that can ooze especially if scratched. The most susceptible areas include eyelids where the skin is very soft and thin and dry skin areas.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when a person is allergic to a particular ingredient used in a cosmetic product. The allergen present in the cosmetic product is considered as a foreign or invading substance by the body, resulting in the reaction of body’s immune system with the allergen.
The skin becomes raw and red with itchiness or swelling. Although this type of allergic dermatitis can develop even in areas of the body that does not come in contact with the cosmetic; face, neck, ears, lips and eyes are the most susceptible regions for the allergy.
Depending on the allergen and its severity present in a cosmetic a person can develop symptoms; for stronger allergens immediate symptoms can be observed, however for weaker irritants days, month or even years of use may take for a symptom to occur.
Like other allergies, cosmetic allergy is not a disease, but it should be handled carefully. The best way to stop further reactions is to stop using the particular cosmetic that is causing a problem. Consult a dermatologist in case of sever skin irritation and if the condition does not improve or worsens. |
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