The beneficial effects of cosmetics on the skin are widely known and valued, less is said about their adverse sensitizing properties. Meanwhile, many cosmetics and personal hygiene products, or more precisely some of their ingredients are strong allergens capable of causing allergic contact dermatitis (or irritation), phototoxic or photoallergic changes. An urgent problem then becomes the treatment of allergies to cosmetics!
What is the treatment of contact allergies to cosmetics?
In contact allergy to cosmetics and personal hygiene the basis of therapy is so-called "causal" treatment. It involves the complete exclusion of the agent that causes sensitization from everyday use. The legitimacy of this treatment is obvious. The problem arises in the case of difficulties with the detection of an allergen. Then pharmacotherapy is necessary until the cause of sensitization is detected.
Can cosmetics be used during treatment??
The problem of the doctor is the persistent desire of patients, especially patients, to restore cosmetic procedures. Unfortunately, according to medical practice - a return to cosmetic surgery threatens re-contact with allergens. This applies especially to the restoration of make-up agents, which are one of the most common allergens.
Are "a bit" outdated cosmetics a threat to sensitive skin?
They are even a big threat. Almost all outdated cosmetics, including hypoallergenic ones under the influence of oxidation, become strong allergens. People with hypersensitive skin should discard unused preparations no later than one day after the expiration date.
Treatment of allergies whose causes can not be determined?
Treatment depends on the severity of skin changes, i.e. whether the inflammation of the skin is acute or chronic. Depending on the doctor will apply disinfectant packs:
- solution of tannin, silver nitrate, etc.
- aerosol antibiotics
- short-acting corticosteroids.
General treatment is based on antihistamines
Antihistamines reduce skin inflammation and pruritus. Oral corticosteroids are used only in the case of very severe changes and not under the influence of antihistamines.
Safety of antihistamines
How to restore cosmetic treatments after the skin symptoms disappear?
After the elimination of allergens and after the dermatitis disappears, you can start skin care with the use of one low-sensitizing agent - preferably made of specially selected, low-sensitizing substances, so-called. hypoallergenic.
It is only after a few weeks that other selected cosmetics can be added.
The sample order is: lipstick, powder, loose powder. The rule is to check the next cosmetics, known to us already by the skin test method.
How do we restore the use of cosmetics when we have hypersensitive skin ...
In the case of hypersensitive skin, you can test yourself. We apply a sample of each preparation to a tissue paper about 2 cm2 and glue it with a special hypoallergenic adhesive tape to the temple for 5 consecutive nights. We test first: mascara, mascara, eyebrow pencil, eye shadow, foundation, other coloring cosmetics. In a similar way, at least for the next 5 nights should be tested all dermatological drugs bought without a prescription in a pharmacy and care products left on the skin longer - ointments, masks, tonics, etc.
Testing, however, requires constant supervision of an allergist doctor
Although the testing method is labor intensive and requires constant contact with an allergist doctor - this is the only safe way to restore skin care with cosmetics and protection, using personal hygiene (soaps, shampoos, shaving foam and after shave, toothpaste, deodorants) ,e.t.c.).
When my skin is hypersensitive
Ed. Edward Ozga - Michalski
Consultation by prof. dr hab. Andrzej Danysz
