Shampoo allergy

Many have encountered the problem when the shampoo does not suit. But an allergic reaction to shampoo is not a rare phenomenon, but it requires a more careful approach to choosing a shampoo. Why does an allergy to shampoo occur? What are the causes of allergies? Can it be prevented? And there are, in fact, a lot of these questions.

Some people believe that allergic processes of the scalp can appear as a result of using a cheap hair washing product. However, this is not true at all, since an allergy can appear even after visiting an expensive beauty salon, where professional shampoos and balms are used.

Now let's take a closer look at why this type of allergic reaction occurs.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ]

Causes of Shampoo Allergy

An allergy to shampoo can be caused by:

• In principle, almost all components of shampoo can be allergens. Everything depends on individual skin sensitivity, and even hereditary factors. But there are 3 main groups that contain allergy triggers:
  • dyes that are part of shampoos. They can be of different colors, from white to ultra-bright colors,
  • preservatives, without which no shampoo will "last" long, that is, the shelf life of the shampoo depends on their concentration. Usually the shelf life varies from one year to three years. Sometimes shampoos contain preservatives in too large quantities, which provokes an allergic reaction. But there is a small "but!" If the shampoo has a short shelf life, then it consists of beeswax. If the allergy was caused by wax, then this is called a food allergy, and not to shampoo,
  • fragrances, a kind of flavoring agent that smells like yogurt. They are used for advertising purposes to attract attention. And their excessive content contributes to the formation of allergic processes.

An allergy to shampoo is one of the types of contact allergic reaction, that is, the reaction (skin) occurs as a result of skin contact with shampoo. Atopy may not be specifically to shampoos, but to some individual brands, where the concentration of one or another allergenic substance is too high. Of course, first of all, you should change the shampoo.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Symptoms of Shampoo Allergy

As for symptoms, shampoo allergy manifests itself depending on the type and sensitivity of the scalp. Signs of an allergic reaction can appear immediately (while still washing your hair), or they can appear several days after the scalp comes into contact with shampoo.

Some people may experience dandruff accompanied by itching. Others may experience skin redness, rash, burning, etc.

There is an opinion that an allergic reaction is possible when changing shampoo. There is also a refutation of this fact that changing one shampoo to another prevents possible addiction to a certain brand of shampoo.

However, there are simple tests that can be done at home to detect atopy.

So, to conduct the test, you need to apply a small amount of shampoo to the skin of your hand in the elbow or elbow bend area. If during the day, the surface of the skin of your hand has changed, for example, redness or itching, then you may indeed have an allergy to the shampoo. In this case, you should not use this shampoo.

Allergy to shampoo in humans

Allergy to shampoo in modern medicine and cosmetology is far from news. As already discussed above, its causes are the components of the shampoo and the individual characteristics of the person.

In the old days, eggs, kefir, etc. were used instead of shampoos. A decoction of burdock or nettle root was used as a hair conditioner or balm. But there is no guarantee that a person is not allergic to these substances.

People with very sensitive scalps resort to using baby shampoos, because they contain fewer preservatives than regular shampoo. However, fragrances are used in higher concentrations, as evidenced by the intense aroma.

What is better, a "3 ruble" shampoo or a professional hair care product? Of course, the second option. But if a person is allergic to shampoo, or more precisely to a specific enzyme, then it makes no difference what the cost of the shampoo is. The main thing here is the existing allergen, which provokes the allergic reaction.

Allergy to shampoo in dogs

Before talking about this, I would like to say that shampoo allergy in dogs is very similar to other problems, such as fleas, skin inflammation, ear problems.

Sometimes a dog scratches too often not because the shampoo is not suitable for it, but because it was not rinsed well or the dog is bathed too often.

If replacing one brand of shampoo with another eliminates side effects, then we can say with confidence that she was allergic to the previous shampoo.

How does an allergy to shampoo manifest itself in dogs? The dog often scratches its head, especially in the area of the ears. Skin redness and even blisters are possible. But this is not yet a fact that the dog has an allergic reaction. Another disease is not excluded, for example, an inflammatory skin process due to insect bites.

[ 5 ]

Diagnosis of shampoo allergy

If a person has a predisposition to allergic reactions, then he should consult an immunologist, dermatologist or allergist. This category of people is more susceptible to allergies to shampoos. As for the other category, an allergy to shampoo is a skin reaction to the effects of preservatives, fragrances, dyes, that is, it is a contact allergy, which is treated by the same doctors.

You can diagnose shampoo allergy yourself at home using a standard test: apply a small amount of shampoo to the back of your hand or elbow. If there are no skin changes during the day, the probability of atopy is minimal. Why minimal, and not completely absent? Shampoo allergy can manifest itself two days after skin contact with shampoo. If the reaction was positive as a result of testing, that is, skin changes were noticed, then the shampoo is really not suitable.

[ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Treatment for Shampoo Allergy

There is, in principle, no cure for an allergic reaction of this kind because in this case there is an individual skin reaction to one or another component included in the shampoo. But if an allergy to shampoo has manifested itself and is causing a certain discomfort for a person (itching, burning), then you can resort to ointments or gels, for example, " Fenistil", "Ellokom", "Sinaflan" and so on.

Self-medication is not worth it, as the indicator that affects the appearance of atopy is in the body itself or in the blood, which is subject to mandatory professional examination. In this case, it is better not to use decoctions and tinctures, you can make things even worse.

An allergy to shampoo sometimes does not pose a particular danger, but there are cases when it is more serious than initially assumed, for example, eczema. It is for this reason that an allergist, immunologist, dermatologist are involved in the treatment.

Prevention of shampoo allergies

When we buy shampoos, the first thing we pay attention to is the packaging and the manufacturer. But has anyone ever read what is in the shampoo? No? In vain! Let's consider the main components that, when concentrated, can cause such a problem as an allergy to shampoo:

• DMDM Hydantoin is a substance that threatens not only an allergic reaction, but also more serious diseases related to oncology,
• Fragrance. This component contains toxins that can cause not only atopy, but also affect the hormonal central nervous system,
• petroleum products Ceteareth- and PEG, which provoke allergic processes,
• Sodium dimethyl sulfate is the safest of the listed ingredients, but it can still cause an allergic reaction.

Why did we list these substances? For prevention purposes, you should exclude contact of the scalp with these ingredients, since they are the main provocateur of an allergic reaction. But, it is possible that an allergy to shampoo can be the result of diseases from the inside, namely an allergy to food products (honey, egg, milk), individual intolerance to certain components (dairy products, for example) and much more.