Allergy or irritation: what's the difference?
Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune reaction to a specific substance. It develops only in those who have developed sensitivity, appears after 12–72 hours and can spread beyond the site of application. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs in any person upon contact with an aggressive composition: acids, alcohols, retinoids, scrubs. It develops faster, often immediately, and is limited to the point of contact, and instead of itching, the burning sensation is more of a concern. It is important to distinguish between them, because in case of irritation it is enough to reduce the frequency of use, and in case of allergies the product is canceled forever.
- Allergy: reaction after 1–3 days, severe itching
- Irritation: burning almost immediately after application
- Allergies may extend beyond application limits
- Irritation depends on concentration and frequency
- With allergies, repeated contact always gives a reaction
Which components are most often to blame?
The most common reason is fragrances and aromatic compositions, and the note about naturalness does not change anything: essential oils are also strong allergens. In second place are preservatives, without which cosmetics are impossible, primarily substances that release formaldehyde and isothiazolinones in wet wipes and shampoos. A separate group is hair dyes containing paraphenylenediamine; the reaction to them can be violent, with swelling of the face. Less common culprits are lanolin, nickel in applicators and powders, components of sunscreen filters and acrylates in gel polishes.
- Fragrances and essential oils
- Preservatives including isothiazolinones
- Hair dyes with paraphenylenediamine
- Lanolin and plant extracts
- Acrylates in gel polishes and nail extensions
- Nickel in applicators and decorative cosmetics
- Sun filters
How it manifests itself
The picture depends on the place of contact. On the face there is redness, swelling, small nodules and blisters, weeping, then dryness and peeling; The skin around the eyes is thin, so swelling of the eyelids can be pronounced even with a mild reaction. On the scalp after paint, itching, burning and crusts appear, sometimes with swelling of the forehead and ears. Cracks and thickening of the skin occur on the hands after gel polish. An important feature: a rash may appear not where the product was applied, but where it was accidentally transferred by hand, for example, on the eyelids.
- Redness and swelling at the site of contact
- Itching, sometimes very severe
- Small bubbles and weeping
- Dryness, peeling, cracks
- Swelling of the eyelids and lips
- Rash where the product is carried by hand
How to find the culprit
The first step is to stop using all new products and keep a diary of what was applied, when and where the reaction occurred. Next, the doctor examines the skin and, in case of repeated episodes, prescribes application tests: plates with sets of allergens are glued to the back and the skin is assessed after two and three days. This is the only way to accurately identify the component. To test a new product in everyday life, a simple technique is used: apply a small amount to the skin of the forearm and observe for several days in a row.
- Complete cancellation of new funds for two weeks
- Diary of used products
- Examination by a dermatologist
- Application (patch) tests with assessment after 48 and 72 hours
- Test application on a small area of skin
- Studying the composition on the packaging after identifying the allergen
Treatment and prevention
The main condition for recovery is to stop contact with the causative agent; Without this, any treatment gives only a temporary effect. The skin is restored by gentle cleansing without soap and regular application of softening creams. For severe inflammation, the doctor prescribes a short course of external anti-inflammatory drugs, and for severe itching, oral antihistamines. You should not apply hormonal creams on your face and eyelids yourself: without control, they thin the skin. In the future, choose products with a short composition and always test a new product on a small area.
- Complete rejection of the causal remedy
- Gentle cleansing without aggressive surfactants
- Softening and restoring creams
- External anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by a doctor
- Antihistamines for severe itching
- Testing a new product on the forearm
- Carefully read the ingredients on the package