Today, more and more often you can meet people's complaints about the manifestations of skin reactions. One common problem is shampoo allergy. In order to take the necessary measures in time and protect his family, a person needs to know how the reaction manifests itself, the treatment methods and the nuances of choosing a cleanser.
Allergy Description
Allergy to shampoo refers to the contact form of allergic reactions. It occurs with direct contact of human skin with an irritant. For dermatitis of this type, a gradual development of symptoms is characteristic:
- At first, allergy does not occur. The reaction of the body may be absent up to 14 days. At this time, the production of antibodies occurs, the immune system tries to fight the irritant.
- Next, a reaction occurs in the form of an increase in symptoms at the places where the shampoo comes in contact with the skin.
The manifestation of allergies does not depend on the age or gender of the person. It can appear in everyone.
Sometimes the occurrence of dandruff is confused with an allergic reaction, but peeling of the skin is a symptom of a fungal infection.
Hazardous Shampoo Ingredients
When a person develops redness on the skin, he wonders if there may be an allergy to shampoo. The answer to this question is positive, because the composition of the product contains many chemical components.
Shampoo contains:
- Surfactants - surfactants are included in the composition to remove dirt from the hair. These include lauryl sulfates and laureth sulfates. Plant-based surfactants - 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 sebum are sodium citrate or sodium citrate. Other preservatives can be added to the shampoo - CG Caton, 2-bromo-2.
- Thickeners and Synthetic Waxes - PEG, Polysorbate 20, Glycol Distearate.
- Natural components in the composition can also cause an organism reaction, 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 predisposed to allergic reactions.
Symptomatology
Allergies can occur in many ways. There are a number of typical symptoms to be aware of.
How does an allergy to shampoo manifest:
- rash or spots appear on the skin;
- irritated places itch and itch;
- burning of the 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 - there is swelling and excessive separation of tears and saliva.
Sometimes an allergy is not localized on the scalp, but spreads to the neck, forehead, cheeks.
In medical practice, no cases of an allergic reaction to a cleaning agent in the form of urticaria have 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 an allergy to shampoo:
- Symptoms do not occur during shampooing. The minimum time from contact to the manifestation of the reaction is 20-40 minutes, in some people several days can pass.
- Symptoms do not go away immediately after the shampoo is canceled - they gradually disappear over 3-5 days. If burning and itching after shampooing disappears within 1-2 hours, then this is not an allergy to shampoo.
Before using a new tool, doctors recommend an allergy test. To do this, apply shampoo to the inner region of the wrist, leave for 10-15 minutes, rinse with warm water. Assess the reaction during the day.
Child allergy
An allergy to shampoo in a child can occur at any age. Children with atopic dermatitis are especially prone to reactions.
Often, the manufacturer indicates the hypoallergenic sign on children's hygiene products, but this is not always the case. Since shampoos contain the components listed above, the product is not hypoallergenic. There is no difference between baby, male and female 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 you must immediately take measures so that the condition does not worsen:
- If red spots are noticed after shampooing, then immediately rinse your head under running water.
- To remove redness, you can apply lotion or a decoction of chamomile, which will reduce itching and soothe the skin.
- Take an antihistamine. If the reaction spread to the neck and forehead, then apply local remedies - gels and creams.
- Consult a specialist, since an allergic reaction may not pass after the exclusion of an allergen and medical treatment will be required.
Allergy in animals
Animals often have an allergic reaction to detergents. Usually, veterinarians advise picking up shampoos designed specifically for a particular type of dog or cat coat.
Dermatitis in animals is manifested by symptoms:
- itching of the skin, the pet constantly itches, especially in places behind the ears;
- red spots appear under the coat, which can be seen during examination;
- with a strong reaction, blisters and a small rash appear that peel off.
Animals may be allergic due to insufficient washing of six while swimming. In any case, the owner should seek the advice of a veterinarian.
For treatment, specialists prescribe:
- "Cytoderm" - a shampoo for allergies and itching or another similar remedy;
- exclusion of contact with an allergen;
- treatment of the affected area with an antiseptic - hydrogen peroxide or furacilin.
If you are prone to allergies in an animal, you must reconsider your pet's diet, as some foods can make the situation worse. It is also recommended to wash the animal less frequently and thoroughly wash the foam from the wool.
Treatment and prevention of adults and children
A medication for allergy to shampoo is prescribed by a doctor after examination and consultation.
For this, the following tools are used:
- antihistamines are prescribed depending on the age of the patient - “Zodak”, “Finistil”, “Diazolin”;
- ointments are applied topically - Pimecrolimus, Irikar, Gistan, Finistil;
- hormonal drugs may be prescribed;
- sedative medications are used to normalize sleep and stabilize the nervous system;
- hypoallergenic products to use for washing your hair - Botanics, Natura Siberica, Dr. Haushka.
Recommendations are also given:
- cut nails shortly - to reduce the risk of infection;
- exercise less to reduce sweat - this way bacteria will not spread, especially with wet wounds;
- replace shampoo;
- use masks and balms of the same company as the cleanser;
- it is possible to use traditional medicine before the symptoms disappear.
Prevention 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 for allergies to shampoo. Doctors recommend using home-made products and following some tips:
- If you are allergic, you should wash your hair less often, even if it says “for daily use” on the shampoo.
- 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 shampoo with a soft color without a sharp aroma.
- You should not choose combined means, for example, 3 in 1 or 2 in 1.
- For children, a tool is selected according to their age.
What do people say?
Often people face an ailment and do not even suspect about it. Reviews of people who are allergic to shampoo (photos are presented in the article), note such nuances:
- Often in infants, food allergies and hygiene reactions can be confused.
- Children who are prone to allergic reactions are more likely to encounter dermatitis.
- Not always children’s products are harmless and safe.
- The cost of shampoo does not mean its safety; in some people, allergies appear after using expensive cosmetics.
- If the disease appears in a child or an adult, then you should consult a doctor. Self-medication can lead to worsening symptoms and prolong the healing period.
- After the disappearance of the itching, peeling is present from 5 to 10 days.
- Antifungal drugs and shampoos are often prescribed for treatment in order to prevent the development of complications.
- If you do not seek qualified help, then the hair begins to fall out and their growth slows down.
- People living far from the city find it difficult to find hypoallergenic cosmetics.
- Many recommend a thorough study of the composition of shampoos and choose the right brand for yourself. Use a balm or mask of the same company with shampoo.
According to statistics, an allergy to shampoo is quite rare, so it does not attach much importance. If a person responsibly chooses shampoo and other cosmetics, then his skin will maintain a healthy look.