Could there be an allergy to hyaluronic acid? Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the dermis and many other organs. Its presence helps maintain tissue elasticity. Under its influence, the water balance of the tissue is restored: if the skin lacks fluid, hyaluronic acid takes it from the air, if the surrounding tissues are saturated with moisture, the substance absorbs its excess, becoming a gel.
Probability of occurrence
Hyaluronic acid allergies are extremely rare, but it is impossible to completely exclude this possibility. Previously, the material was extracted from natural fabrics, and then it was cleaned of excess substances. Thus, the likelihood of intolerance was due to the natural origin of the substance.
Currently, hyaluronic acid has a synthetic origin, and the resulting biotechnological material is in full accordance with the natural. As a result, the likelihood of developing an allergy is virtually eliminated.
What are the causes of hyaluronic acid allergy?
Development reasons
It is important to note that the allergy that develops after using fillers does not occur on hyaluronic acid itself, but on the auxiliary components in the filler. Intolerance, if it occurs, has, as a rule, a mild degree. A moderate to severe allergy to hyaluronic acid fillers is extremely rare.
Substance features
Hyaluronic acid has a carbohydrate structure, consists of small polysaccharide fragments. Depending on the amount of polysaccharide fragments present in it, it can be high molecular or low molecular weight.
Acids, depending on their mass, are able to penetrate the skin at different depths. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid is not able to penetrate the epidermis, therefore, only substances with a low molecular weight are used in cosmetology. They are able to act on the deep layers of the skin, tighten, restore skin elasticity.
Hyaluronic acid is the basis of connective tissue, a matrix of bone, nervous systems. If the content of hyaluronic acid in the body is at a normal level, then the tissues are nourished and moisturized at the proper level, wrinkles do not appear for quite a while.
What triggers an allergy to hyaluronic acid?
Probable Allergenic Substances
The following components are allergenic substances when using hyaluronic acid:
- Synthetic substances.
- Means of animal origin.
- Allergic manifestations resulting from exposure to other substances.
- Immunity of other components that make up the cream with hyaluronic acid.
Symptoms of an allergy to hyaluronic acid injections are extremely rare due to the perfect composition of the biological material. Currently, substances of animal origin are not used in cosmetology. Previously, acid was obtained from the extraction of organic tissue, separating the lipid and protein parts from it. Despite this, the composition did not become monocomponent - it contained residues of other substances. This is what causes the allergenicity of the material.
It is important to remember that a person who is predisposed to allergic reactions should be careful when using new food components, cosmetics, chemical compounds. Hyaluronic acid can be dangerous for such people.
In some cases, an injection of hyaluronic acid can provoke the occurrence of puffiness, which is often confused with the manifestation of allergies. In this case, the cheekbone, the area located under the eyes, and the lip can swell. Before the procedure, the cosmetologist always warns that the first time after the introduction, redness, bruising, and soreness may appear. Such signs of hyaluronic acid allergy can persist for up to a month.
Symptomatology
The intake of hyaluronic acids can occur by injection or an external agent. Symptoms in both cases are similar, however, some differences are still there.
An allergic reaction is manifested as follows:
- There is a pronounced burning sensation at the site of application, sometimes an intolerable itch.
- Redness of the skin develops.
- The injection site, the application of the cream swells.
- A skin rash appears.
Symptoms of an allergy to hyaluronic acid should not go unnoticed.
If poor-quality biomaterial is used for injection, then it acts on the deeper layers of the skin, which respond, respectively, with more pronounced allergic signs. The most rare manifestation is anaphylactic shock. After the introduction of hyaluronic acid, a person develops chills, weakness, dizziness develops. Loss of consciousness is not excluded.
If the substance is applied to the skin externally, then the symptoms of allergies develop immediately, that is, immediately after applying the cosmetic product to the skin area. With the introduction of it by injection, the development of symptoms of an allergy to hyaluronic acid can take quite a long time - up to 3 days.
Diagnostics
If an injection of hyaluronic acid causes a burning sensation, redness develops, then this may indicate a reaction to the injection itself. This phenomenon is considered normal. However, if the painful manifestations and swelling persist for two to three days, then we can judge the development of an allergic reaction. It is impossible to eliminate the molecules of hyaluronic acid present in the skin, but you should start stopping unpleasant manifestations as soon as possible.
Identify the components that triggered the allergy should be immediately. This will allow you to prescribe the correct therapy. To determine the type of allergen, diagnostics are carried out not only for hyaluron, but for any potentially allergenic substances. They can be chemical additives, preservatives.
Laboratory research
First of all, it is necessary to take a blood sample to conduct serological reactions based on the detection of the antigen-antibody complex. Blood taken from a patient is screened out to obtain serum. Then it is applied to a special tablet, on which antigens were previously applied. The second method can also be used - part of the serum and potential allergens are mixed on a glass slide. If complexes form, then they will look like small dots.
Tests, allergy tests
The main method for determining the allergen is an allergy test. This technique consists in applying a slight scratch to the skin, which is then dripped with a variety of allergenic substances. If redness occurs, then one can judge the presence of an allergy in a person to this substance.
How to get rid of allergies after hyaluronic acid?
Therapy of allergic manifestations
In many ways, the treatment of allergic manifestations depends on the allergen that provoked them. The first method of treatment is the elimination of a substance that provokes an adverse reaction. The second method is the use of medications that help eliminate symptoms. In each cosmetology office, a first-aid kit should be available that will allow you to provide emergency assistance in case of a critical condition in case of hyaluronic acid allergy. The photo does not reflect all the symptoms.
Elimination
This technique is based on eliminating the causes of allergies. If the cause of the allergy is a cream, then you should eliminate it from the skin, use an external hormonal ointment and take antihistamines. If signs of the reaction appear during the injection, it should be discontinued and medications blocking the allergen should be taken.
Medicines
The therapy should be carried out using drugs that can block the release of histamine agents. All antihistamines are divided into categories. Currently, there are four generations of funds.
Most often, the symptoms are local. Eliminate puffiness, itching and redness will allow the use of external forms of antihistamines - creams, ointments. These can be both antihistamines and drugs containing corticosteroids. The activity of allergens, active bio-substances is quickly blocked by agents based on dexamethasone and prednisone.
However, in some cases, the use of other medications may be required to stop the allergen. With the development of an anaphylactic reaction in parallel with these drugs, it is recommended to take measures aimed at restoring blood flow, which in a state of shock goes to the depot. In such cases, intravenous administration of isotonic and other solutions that promote detoxification is recommended. In order to increase vascular tone, the patient is injected with a solution of epinephrine.
How to prevent the development of allergies to hyaluronic acid on the face?
Prevention
Preventive measures aimed at preventing the development of an allergic reaction to the use of hyaluronic acid are reduced to a preliminary test of sensitivity to the components of a cosmetic product. If you plan to use a drug saturated with active ingredients for a tightening, you should apply a small amount to the skin area before the procedure.
In addition, it is worth paying attention to the cost of cosmetics and procedures. Biogialuron is an expensive pleasure; accordingly, a cream based on it cannot be cheap, and cosmetologists also take quite a lot of money for injections. Savings in this case and the search for cheaper counterparts is inappropriate.
It is important to pay attention to the composition of creams, serums. If they contain components that have previously provoked allergic reactions in a particular person, then it is important to refrain from using them. When using injections, a cosmetologist should be asked in detail about the composition of the drug used. If a specialist is not ready to answer questions, refuses to submit documents and certificates for the drug, then there is a high probability that the drug is used counterfeit, low-quality and probably unsafe. The services of such a cosmetology office should also be discarded.
Conclusion
Thus, hyaluronic acids are a natural component of connective tissue, which gives elasticity to organs and skin. If wrinkles appear, the skin sags, then the most painless way to eliminate such manifestations is to use hyaluronic acid. It effectively eliminates the first signs of skin fatigue. However, the development of an allergic reaction is not excluded. In this case, it is better to refuse the procedure.
Now many people know if there is an allergy to hyaluronic acid.