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Allergy to shampoo
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Many have encountered a problem when the shampoo is not suitable. But, an allergic reaction to shampoo, a phenomenon not rare, but requiring 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 these questions, in fact, a lot.
Some believe that the cause of allergic processes of the scalp scalp may appear as a result of using a cheap means for washing the head. But, this, by no means, is not so, because, an allergy can appear even after visiting an expensive beauty salon where professional shampoos and balms are used.
Now we will consider in more detail why this kind of allergic reaction arises.
Causes of allergy to shampoo
Allergy to shampoo can appear on the soil:
- in principle, almost all the components of the shampoo can be applied to allergens. Everything depends on the individual sensitivity of the skin, and even hereditary factors. But there are 3 main groups, which are allergic pathogens:
- dyes, which are part of the shampoo. They can be of different colors, from white to ultra bright colors,
- preservatives, without which no shampoo will last "for a long time", that is, the shampoo storage time depends on their concentration. Usually the storage time ranges from one year to three years. Sometimes shampoos contain preservatives in too much quantity, which provokes the appearance of an allergic reaction. But, there is a small "but!". If the shampoo with a short shelf life, it means it consists of beeswax. If the allergy caused by wax, it is called food allergy, and not shampoo,
- fragrances, a kind of flavor, which are similar in smell to yoghurts. They are used for advertising purposes in order to attract attention. And their excessive content contributes to the formation of allergic processes.
Allergy to shampoo is one of the types of contact allergic reaction, that is, the reaction (cutaneous) occurs as a result of skin contact with shampoo. Atopy can be not just on shampoos, but on some individual brands, where too much concentration of one or another allergenic substance. Of course, first of all, you should change the shampoo.
Symptoms of an allergy to shampoo
As for the symptoms, the allergy to the shampoo manifests itself depending on the type and sensitivity of the scalp. Signs of an allergic reaction can occur immediately (even during the washing of the head), and may even a few days after contact of the scalp with shampoo.
In some people, dandruff may appear, accompanied by itching. Others - skin redness, rash, burning and so on.
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 particular brand of shampoo.
But, as it were not there, there are simple tests that can be performed at home, to identify atopy.
So, for the test, a small amount of shampoo should be applied to the skin of the hand in the area of the elbow or elbow fold. If during the day, the surface of the skin of the hand has undergone changes, for example, redness or itching, then you can, indeed, have an allergy to shampoo. In this case, you should not use this shampoo.
Allergy to shampoo in humans
Allergy to shampoo in modern medicine and cosmetology, far, is not news. As already discussed above, its causes are the components of the shampoo and the individual feature of the person.
In the old days, instead of shampoos used eggs, kefir and others. As a conditioner for hair or balm, used a decoction from the root of burdock or nettle. But, there is no guarantee that a person does not have any allergies to these substances.
People with too sensitive scalp resort to using children's shampoos, because there are less preservatives than in normal shampoo. But, here in greater concentration use fragrances, the evidence of this is the intense aroma.
What is better shampoo "for 3 rubles" or a professional hair care product? Of course, the second option. But, if a person is allergic to shampoo, more specifically to a particular enzyme, then no matter what the cost of shampoo. The main thing here is the allergen present, which provokes the appearance of an allergic reaction.
Allergy to shampoo in dogs
Before talking about this, I would like to say that the allergy to shampoo in dogs is very similar to other problems, for example, fleas, skin inflammation, problems with the ears.
Sometimes a dog is too often itchs, not because shampoo does not suit it, but because it has been poorly washed or excessively often bathed by a dog.
If the replacement of one brand of shampoo with another excludes side reactions, then we can say with certainty that she was allergic to the previous shampoo.
How does the allergy to shampoo in dogs? The dog often scratches his head, especially in the ears. Skin redness and even blisters are possible. But, it's not a fact that the dog has an allergic reaction. Another variant of the disease is not excluded, for example, the inflammatory skin process on the basis of insect bites.
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Diagnosis of allergy to shampoo
If a person has a predisposition to an allergic reaction, then he should consult an immunologist, a dermatologist or an allergist. This category of people is more prone to allergy to shampoos. As for the other category, the allergy to shampoo is the reaction of the skin to the effect of preservatives, flavors, dyes, that is, it is a contact allergy, which is dealt with by the same doctors.
Diagnosis of just the allergy to shampoo can be done independently at home, by means of a standard test: a small amount of shampoo is applied to the back of the palm or to the elbow area. If there were no skin changes during the day, the probability of atopy is minimal. Why is minimal, not completely absent? Allergy to shampoo can show itself and two days after contact of the skin with shampoo. If the reaction was positive as a result of testing, that is, skin changes were noticed, then shampoo really does not work.
Treatment of allergy to shampoo
From an allergic reaction of this kind, in principle, there is no medicine because in this case there is an individual skin reaction to one or another component that is part of the shampoo. But, if the allergy to shampoo - has manifested itself and represents a certain discomfort for a person (itching, burning), then you can resort to ointments or gels, say, " Fenistil", "Ellokom", "Sinaflanc" and so on.
Do self-medication is not worth it as an indicator that affects the appearance of atopy is found in the body or in the blood, which, without fail, is subject to professional examination. Decoctions and tinctures in this case it is better not to use, you can make it even worse.
Allergy to shampoo sometimes does not pose a particular danger, but there are times when it is more serious than originally thought, for example, eczema. Precisely, for this reason, an allergist, an immunologist, a dermatologist is engaged in treatment .
Prevention of allergy to shampoo
When we buy shampoos, the first on what we pay attention is the packaging and the manufacturer. But, did anyone ever read what is included in the shampoo? No? And in vain! Consider the main components, which at a high concentration can cause a problem such 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. The composition of this component includes 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 dimethylsulfate is the safest among the listed components, but, nevertheless, can cause an allergic reaction.
Why did we list these substances? For the prevention, you should exclude contact of the scalp with these ingredients, because they are the main provoker of an allergic reaction. But, it is possible that the allergy to shampoo can be the result of diseases from the inside, namely allergy to food products (honey, egg, milk), individual intolerance of certain components (milk products, for example) and much more.