Today, more and more often you can meet people's complaints about the manifestations of skin reactions. One of the common problems is shampoo allergy. In order to take the necessary measures in time and protect their family, a person needs to know how the reaction manifests itself, methods of treatment and the nuances of choosing a cleanser.
Description of allergy
Shampoo allergy refers to the contact form of allergic reactions. It occurs when a person's skin comes into direct contact with an irritant. This type of dermatitis is characterized by a gradual development of symptoms:
- At first, the allergy does not appear. The reaction of the body may be absent up to 14 days. At this time, antibodies are produced, the immune system tries to fight the irritant.
- Further there is a reaction in the form of an increase in symptoms at the points of contact of the shampoo with the skin.
The manifestation of allergies does not depend on the age or gender of the person. Anyone can have it.
Sometimes the occurrence of dandruff is confused with an allergic reaction, but peelingskin is a symptom of a fungal infection.
Hazardous Shampoo Ingredients
When a person has redness on the skin, he wonders if there may be an allergy to shampoo. The answer to this question is yes, because the composition of the product contains many chemical components.
Shampoo contains:
- Surfactants - surfactants included in the composition to remove dirt from the hair. These include lauryl sulfates and laureth sulfates. Surfactants of plant origin - Proteol Apl, Olivderm can also cause allergies.
- Substances for the formation of foam - cocamides, cocoate glycerate, decyl glucoside.
- Silicones for smoothing and weighting hair - cyclomethicone or dimethicone.
- Preservatives used to remove sebaceous fat - sodium citrate or sodium citrate. Other preservatives can be added to the shampoo - cathone CG, 2-bromo-2.
- Thickening agents and synthetic wax - PEG, polysorbate 20, glycol distearate.
- Natural ingredients in the composition can also cause a reaction in the body, for example, honey, milk, plant extracts.
- Aromatic fragrances and dyes.
Before buying a shampoo, a person needs to study the composition. This is especially true for people prone to allergic reactions.
Symptomatics
Allergies can manifest themselves in different ways. There are a number of typical symptoms to be aware of.
How does shampoo allergy manifest:
- a rash or spots appear onskin;
- irritated places itch and itch;
- burning of affected areas may be felt;
- tightness and dryness of the scalp;
- with a strong reaction of the body, the allergy spreads to the respiratory tract, eyes - swelling and excessive separation of tears and saliva appear.
Sometimes allergies are not localized to the scalp, but spread to the neck, forehead, cheeks.
In medical practice, cases of an allergic reaction to a cleanser in the form of urticaria have not been recorded. As a rule, its appearance is associated with non-compliance with the temperature regime of washing.
It is worth knowing some of the nuances of shampoo allergy:
- Symptoms do not occur during shampooing. The minimum time from contact to reaction is 20-40 minutes, for some people it may take several days.
- Symptoms do not disappear immediately after the shampoo is stopped - they gradually disappear over 3-5 days. If the burning sensation and itching disappear within 1-2 hours after shampooing, then this is not an allergy to the shampoo.
Before using a new remedy, doctors recommend an allergy test. To do this, apply shampoo to the inner area of the wrist, leave for 10-15 minutes, rinse with warm water. Assess the reaction during the day.
Allergy in a child
Children can be allergic to shampoo at any age. Children with atopic dermatitis are especially susceptible to reactions.
Often on baby care products manufacturerindicates the inscription "hypoallergenic", but this is not always the case. Since shampoos contain the components listed above, the product is not hypoallergenic. There is no difference between children's, men's and women's shampoo. They differ in aromatic additives.
Parents need to pay attention to the composition of the shampoo, indicated on the back of the package, and not to advertising slogans.
What to do if you have an allergy?
If symptoms of an allergy to shampoo appear, then measures must be taken immediately so that the condition does not worsen:
- If red spots are noticed after washing your hair, then you should immediately rinse your head under running water.
- Apply chamomile lotion or decoction to soothe redness and reduce itching.
- Take an antihistamine. If the reaction has spread to the neck and forehead, then apply local remedies - gels and creams.
- See a specialist as an allergic reaction may not go away after the allergen has been ruled out and medication will be required.
Allergy in animals
Pets often have an allergic reaction to detergents. Usually veterinarians advise choosing shampoos designed specifically for a particular type of dog or cat coat.
Dermatitis in animals shows symptoms:
- itchy skin, the pet constantly itches, especially in places behind the ears;
- red spots appear under the coat, which can be seenon examination;
- when a strong reaction occurs, blisters and a small rash that peels off.
Animals may develop allergies due to insufficient rinsing of six during bathing. In any case, the owner should seek the advice of a veterinarian.
For treatment, specialists prescribe:
- "CytoDerm" - shampoo for allergies and itching or other similar remedy;
- exclusion of contact with the allergen;
- treatment of the affected area with an antiseptic - hydrogen peroxide or furacilin.
If an animal is prone to allergies, it is necessary to review the pet's diet, as some foods can aggravate the situation. It is also recommended to wash the animal less often and thoroughly wash the foam from the wool.
Treatment and prevention of adults and children
Medication for shampoo allergy is prescribed by a doctor after examination and consultation.
Means are used for this:
- antihistamines are prescribed depending on the age of the patient - Zodak, Finistil, Diazolin;
- Topically applied ointments - Pimecrolimus, Irikar, Gistan, Finistil;
- hormonal drugs may be prescribed;
- sedative medications are used to normalize sleep and stabilize the nervous system;
- to wash your hair use hypoallergenic products - Botanics, Natura Siberica, Dr. Haushka.
Recommendations are also given:
- cut your nails short to reduce the risk of infection;
- exercise less to reduce perspiration - this way bacteria will not spread, especially with weeping wounds;
- replace shampoo;
- use masks and balms from the same company as the cleanser;
- perhaps, until the symptoms disappear, use traditional medicine.
Prophylaxis for this type of allergy does not exist, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the body. To prevent negative consequences, you should pay attention to the composition of the product and conduct an allergic test before use.
Hair care tips
Often people ask experts how to wash their hair if they are allergic to shampoo. Doctors recommend using homemade products and following some tips:
- If you have allergies, you need to wash your hair less often, even if the shampoo says "for daily use."
- Do not leave foaming shampoo on hair for a long time. 1 minute is enough, then it needs to be washed off.
- Use other hair care products from the same company as the shampoo.
- Choose a soft-colored shampoo without a strong scent.
- Do not choose combination products, for example, 3 in 1 or 2 in 1.
- For children, a remedy is selected according to their age.
What are people saying?
Often peopleare suffering from an illness and are not even aware of it. Reviews of people who are allergic to shampoo (photos are presented in the article), note the following nuances:
- Food allergies can often be confused with hygiene reactions in infants.
- Children prone to allergic reactions are more likely to experience dermatitis.
- Children's products are not always harmless and safe.
- The cost of shampoo does not indicate its safety, some people develop allergies after using expensive cosmetics.
- If a child or an adult has an ailment, you should consult a doctor. Self-medication can worsen symptoms and prolong recovery.
- After the disappearance of itching, peeling is present from 5 to 10 days.
- Antifungal drugs and shampoos are often prescribed for treatment to prevent complications.
- If you do not seek qualified help, then the hair begins to fall out and their growth slows down.
- It's hard for people living far from the city to find hypoallergenic cosmetics.
- Many recommend carefully studying the composition of shampoos and choosing the right brand for yourself. Use with shampoo balm or mask of the same company.
According to statistics, shampoo allergy is quite rare, so it is not given much importance. If a person responsibly approaches the choice of shampoo and other cosmetics, then his skin will retain a he althy look.
