Excessive cosmetics liable for allergy

Cosmetic Allergic or Irritant Contact Dermatitis

An allergic or irritant reaction occurring on the skin due to a cosmetic product. Allergic reactions can obtain days to develop after applying the cosmetic & can last a week or longer even if the product is not used again. Allergies on the skin are usually itchy red often scaling rashes. On the contrary, irritation happens fairly quickly after using a cosmetic & causes burning or stinging with/without redness, depending upon the severity. 

Causes Cosmetic Allergic or Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Common cosmetic causes of allergic reactions include emulsifiers, lanolin, fragrances, preservatives and other chemicals present in makeups, skin care products, hair products especially hair dyes, toothpastes, mouthwashes, nail care products, sunscreens, personal cleansing products, shaving preparations, epilating waxes, depilatories and bath oils or salts. 

Irritation is typically due to surfactants (cleansers,soaps), alcohols or alpha-hydroxy acids (fruit acids) that are contained in some cosmetic products. 

Determine which cosmetic product is the offending agent

Without skin allergy patch testing, it can be very hard to identify the reason of an allergic reaction, since it happens days after exposure & can last for many days after it appears.  Sometimes, you can recognize offending products by recalling whether you have used any new products, had new procedures preformed, such as placement of artificial nails / hair dye. Terminating the use of all suspicious cosmetic products, tracked by adding one product back at a time to your cosmetic routine every 2 weeks, may reveal which product is the wrong agent, because a large amount of products will cause a skin reaction within a 2 week period. Though, this will not tell you what chemical in the product is the problem; this chemical is likely used in many other cosmetic products. So, skin allergy patch testing is the greatest way to resolve the cause. Also, it is not strange that you can build up an allergy to a product that you have used for many years. Why this occurs is not clear – but it does!

Irritation is easier to recognize as it happens almost immediately after utilize a product. Check the tag for alcohols or alpha-hydroxy acids & avoid future products containing these chemicals. Patients with rosacea are particularly prone to cosmetic annoyance..

How is Cosmetic Allergic or irritant Contact Dermatitis treated?

Avoiding any known & suspected offending agent is key.  Avoiding fragrances / other non-essential chemicals often added to products may be helpful.  It is also suggested that all old cosmetic products be thrown out, as the ingredients and formulas may adjust with age.  Over the counter cortisone creams may be advantageous for itchy symptoms & your dermatologist may prescribe a stronger steroid medication for your symptoms if needed. To recognize the exact reason of your reaction, allergy patch testing is suggested.