Paradoxically, many products created to help people carry a danger to their health and often cause serious allergic reactions. Almost any remedy that is commonly referred to a rather wide category of household chemicals can cause the development of this insidious ailment. And this applies to people of any age.
What household products are allergens?
The products that most often cause allergic reactions include:
- bleaches;
- washing powders;
- cleaning products for dishes and household appliances.
Allergy to household chemicals: causes
If you carefully study the composition of these funds, then for sure you will pay attention to the many synthetic components that can cause an unusual reaction of the body. The aggressive elements include substances such as:
- Chlorine. The most common component, which is certainly part of almost all bleaches.
- Refined products. They are part of cleaning products for better cleaning of various surfaces.
- Phenols. They play the role of disinfectants.
- Formaldehydes. Used in sanitary facilities to combat mold and fungi.
- Phosphates and enzymes. Essential components of washing powders.
- Ammonia. Used in cleaning products for mirrors and glasses.
- Nitrobenzene. Used in furniture polishes.
An allergy to household chemicals quite often develops due to flavorings used in large quantities in most products. The main task of all kinds of perfumes is to mask unpleasant odors of chemicals.
It must be recognized that to date, the causes of this type of allergy have not yet been fully studied, since each patient responds to a separate provocateur that causes a negative reaction of the body. However, on the basis of numerous studies, scientists have identified a number of provoking factors, to which they attributed:
- imperfection or immaturity of the protective system;
- hypersensitivity to certain substances;
- prolonged contact with the allergen and its penetration into the body through microcracks, wounds, pores;
- weak immunity;
- excessively thin skin.
You must understand that an allergy to household chemicals can occur not only through direct contact, but also when inhaling its volatile compounds. The toxic substances that make up industrial products are insidious: even after treatment they often settle on surfaces, continuing their destructive effect on the body. This is especially true for people predisposed to this disease. Moreover, especially strong reactions occur in children, including newborns, which is associated with the immaturity of their protective system.
Allergy to household chemicals: symptoms
Specific symptoms of the disease are formed after the penetration of chemicals into the body through the skin and their entry into the bloodstream. It is in the blood that there is contact with a dangerous stimulus of the cells of the immune system. This type of allergy occurs with the following symptoms:
- tearing;
- allergic rhinitis;
- coughing and sneezing.
Specialists refer to specific symptoms: catarrhal, skin, intestinal and other manifestations.
Skin symptoms
An allergy to household chemicals is manifested when there is a protective system in the body for toxic substances. Damage to the skin occurs against the background of severe dehydration, which, in turn, causes the formation of bruises and crusts. In this case, the integument reacts, showing the following symptoms:
- itching
- peeling;
- small rashes;
- redness;
- chemical burns causing serious damage;
- bruising
- swelling.
Allergic dermatitis, as a rule, manifests itself in the form of separate, clearly defined areas of redness. The disease is accompanied by severe itching and hyperthermia in the affected areas. The most common skin symptoms are allergies to household chemicals on the hands.
Catarrhal signs
Often, an acute allergic reaction provokes not only contact with a dangerous substance, but also inhalation of its smells, particles of loose substances. Compounds irritate the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. In this case, the patient manifests:
- rhinitis;
- lacrimation
- sore throat;
- spasmodic cough;
- swelling of the larynx;
- bronchospasm;
- migraine.
Intestinal manifestations
Allergy to household chemicals in people manifests itself in different ways, and this disease is dangerous. Some patients complain that the components of household chemicals cause them to deviate in the work of the stomach and intestines. An allergen in the gastrointestinal tract can cause:
- nausea and vomiting
- profuse salivation;
- sharp pains in the abdomen;
- diarrhea.
At the same time, the duration of the reaction and the intensity of the symptoms are often determined by the individual characteristics of the body, the concentration of allergens and a number of other factors.
Manifestations in infants
Unfortunately, an allergy to household chemicals in newborns is a fairly common phenomenon. It can manifest itself in different ways: redness and swelling, skin rashes and increased diaper rash. Often the baby has a runny nose, eyes redden and watery, a noticeable general malaise.
Symptoms of the disease in children can be noticed several hours after contact with the stimulus. In a newborn, symptoms appear throughout the body, and not just in areas that come into contact with clothing. Mom should pay attention to such phenomena:
- peeling and dry skin;
- redness, itching, and rash;
- weeping bubbles that burst;
- redness and tearing of the eyes.
If you notice at least one of the listed symptoms, immediately consult a doctor. Only a specialist will establish a diagnosis and prescribe the treatment that is necessary for the baby. An allergy to household chemicals (we posted a photo in this article) in a neglected form can cause serious complications and disrupt the functioning of internal organs. Do not give your child medication without consulting a doctor. Most drugs that are successfully used to treat adult patients negatively affect babies.
The following medicines are considered the safest children's allergists :
- Fenistil (drops). Suitable for a newborn from 1 month. They effectively relieve burning and itching, relieve tearing, but at the same time the drug causes drowsiness.
- Fenistil (gel). Eliminates skin symptoms, but cannot be used for extensive lesions. Recommended for children older than one month.
- Zirtek (drops). They relieve tearing and inflammation, but at the same time they have quite a few side effects, including sleep disturbance and nausea. Assign to children from six months.
Do not forget about alternative methods of treatment. When bathing a child, add oatmeal decoction to the water, which will reduce irritation. Regularly do lotions on the affected skin from a string of nettles, chamomiles, hops. Brew dry herbs for half an hour in a thermos.
And another important reminder for young mothers: do not stop feeding your baby breast milk. After all, it is it that forms the immunity, which in the future will allow your child to fight various diseases.
Diagnosis of the disease
The main way to deal with allergies is to eliminate contact with the irritant. But first you need to identify it. Today, medicine has several basic methods that allow you to accurately set the stimulus.
The range of activities begins with a consultation with a specialist. The doctor studies the anamnesis and only after that prescribes the necessary, in his opinion, procedures. Usually, a complex of procedures is used to establish an accurate diagnosis, which includes:
- interrogation of the patient;
- analysis of response to therapy;
- laboratory research.
Skin tests
In this case, the disease is diagnosed with the help of special injections, the reaction to which reveals an allergen. This method is safe and painless. Injections are made in the forearm, introducing a small amount of the test substance under the skin. In one session, no more than fifteen samples can be delivered. Swelling or redness at the injection site suggests that there is an allergic reaction to one of the components.
The study of specific antibodies
This method is used to identify antibodies that are responsible for the occurrence of allergies, and to identify a group of hazardous substances. The procedure is very sensitive, which allows you to get all the necessary information. For research, the patient donates blood from a vein. If during the test an elevated level of immunoglobulin E and lymphocytes is detected, then this indicates a general allergization of the body.
Elimination and provocative tests
The above methods allow you to identify allergens that have caused the reaction of the body. If they are ineffective, provocative tests are prescribed. Such procedures are carried out only in a hospital. An allergen is introduced into the nasal cavity, and the body's reactions to it are examined.
Treatment
Patients "with experience" know how unpleasant there are manifestations of an allergy to household chemicals. The treatment of this disease is long and it gives a successful result only with constant contact of the patient with the doctor and strict observance of all prescriptions.
The basis of therapy, as a rule, is the complete exclusion of contact with the allergen. Consider several treatment options.
Elimination
This treatment method does not involve the use of drugs. It is based on the complete exclusion of patient contact with irritants. Elimination treatment is necessarily included in the complex therapy of allergies and does not have adverse reactions and contraindications.
Antihistamine
To improve the general condition of the patient, anti-allergic drugs are used that allow eliminating dangerous reactions as soon as possible. It can be ointments, gels, tablets. The most effective: Suprastin, Zodak, Fenistil, Claritin, Eden. In especially severe cases, the doctor may prescribe hormonal drugs "Hydrocortisone", "Prednisolone", "Dermoveyt".
Other treatments (medication)
We have already said that a reaction to household chemicals can cause disorders in the functioning of the digestive tract, as well as a significant decrease in immunity, a disorder of the nervous system. With intestinal manifestations, sorbent intake is indicated. Means with absorbent properties reduce the level of intoxication, remove toxins from the body (Smecta, Enterosgel).
Itching accompanying allergic reactions, with the presence of erosion and blisters, can cause neurosis and poor sleep. In this case, drugs are prescribed that normalize the functioning of the nervous system (Persen, Novopassit). To restore strength and strengthen immunity, the patient should take drugs that activate the defense system and multivitamin complexes.