Allergy on the face in adults

Allergy is an inadequate reaction of the immune system to various substances from the external environment – food, drugs, pollen or household substances (dust, cosmetics, animal hair). The manifestations of allergic reactions are varied – these are digestive disorders, respiratory tract disorders (shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing), skin rash, itching, redness of the eyes and watery eyes. One of the frequent localizations of allergic reactions is redness, swelling or rash on the face. Not only is this a pronounced cosmetic defect that attracts attention, it is also a serious threat to health, especially if these are anaphylactic reactions – urticaria or angioedema.

Allergic manifestations on the face are especially unpleasant. They occur at the most inopportune time, can be very itchy, lead to redness and peeling of the skin. In addition to these manifestations, swelling in the lips, severe runny nose or nasal congestion, redness of the eyes, lacrimation is possible, which only aggravates the course of the disease. The most common provocateurs of facial allergies in adults are a reaction to pollen and cosmetic products, less often to food or medicines.

It is important to immediately treat any reactions that occur on the skin, and ideally prevent possible rashes or swelling by avoiding potential allergens. But why is the face the most sensitive? The thing is that the skin of the face is thinner and more sensitive, it is always open and more often in contact with various substances. In addition, many use cosmetics, use hygiene products, which can lead to negative reactions.

Types of allergies on the face in adults

The most common types of allergic reactions in adults are:

• contact dermatitis that occurs when various agents are applied to the skin, they come from air or water;
• year-round allergies with skin rashes, lesions of the nasopharynx and eyes;
• seasonal allergies (hay fever) and urticaria;
• anaphylactic reactions;
• food allergies;
• reactions to medication;
• manifestations of atopic dermatitis (or eczema).

Each of the forms has its own set of the most common allergens, typical external manifestations of reactions. Approaches to treatment, prevention and the degree of danger to well-being, general condition and even life may also differ.

Causes of facial allergies in adults

Allergies are very common. In our country, more than 50 million people suffer from it every year. Allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly perceives harmless substances, such as food or pollen, as potentially dangerous compounds and tries to fight it off.

When the immune system detects an allergen, it produces an antibody called an immunoglobulin. The formation of an allergen-antibody complex causes the body to release a chemical called histamine in skin cells and other parts of the body. Histamines cause most of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Researchers don’t fully understand why this happens or why the allergy gets worse with each subsequent exposure. One theory suggests that this may be due to the fact that you live in cleaner, more hygienic environments that do not allow the immune system to actively work and fight real enemies – germs, viruses or fungi.

Allergies on the face occur when the allergen comes into direct contact with the skin, when hazardous substances are inhaled or eaten. Depending on the type of reaction, the causes may vary.

Contact dermatitis occurs when the allergen comes into direct contact with the skin. The face, hands are most often affected, less often other parts of the body. The most common allergens are:

• various types of soap, shower gels, cleansers, shaving products;
• decorative cosmetics, creams, foams, gels, tonics;
• rubber and latex products in contact with the face (gloves, masks, protective shields);
• metal jewelry – earrings, piercing;
• chemicals, volatile compounds that come from the air, settling on the skin of the face;
• particles of soil, dust;
• juices, plant extracts.

Year-round allergic reactions usually provoke rhinitis (runny nose), signs of conjunctivitis and dermatitis. They are similar to signs of hay fever, but occur at any time of the year, upon contact with an allergen. Most often this form of reaction is provoked by:

• dust mites that live in people’s homes (on the pile of carpets, books, mattresses, upholstery of upholstered furniture);
• mold spores that actively multiply in damp and warm rooms;
• animal dander, bird feathers, particles of pet urine or saliva.

food reactions on the face arise due to an inadequate response of the immune systems to certain types of food or individual components (mainly of protein origin). Most often, such reactions occur in childhood, although rashes are also quite possible in adults.

The most common food allergens are:

• chicken eggs (less often – other birds);
• various varieties of nuts (especially peanuts);
• whole milk and its derivatives, where there is no fermentation and breakdown of proteins;
• seafood.

However, allergic reactions can cause any products, including fresh fruits, even hypoallergenic ones.

drug reactions occur when taking certain medications, and it does not matter whether they are administered through the mouth, injected or applied topically, on the skin. The most common drug allergens are:

• penicillin antibiotics and related groups;
• drugs of the NSAID group, especially ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid;
• anticonvulsant drugs;
• radiopaque compounds;
• sera and vaccines;
• drugs for the treatment of cancer and serious illnesses (chemotherapeutics).

hay fever or hay fever occurs when the skin and mucous membranes come into contact with pollen. Moreover, these are not any plants or flowers, but only a wind-pollinated group. Facial lesions occur exclusively during the flowering and pollination period of a particular plant. It can be:

• trees and shrubs;
• weeds;
• cereals and cultivated plants cultivated in fields and gardens.

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic allergic reaction that is provoked by various types of allergens. Reactions have a clear hereditary predisposition, occur from early childhood and are provoked by:

• different types of food, including milk and soy;
• dust mites, mold;
• various means of hygiene, cosmetics;
• contact with dyed fabrics, wool;
• changes in hormonal levels, especially in women during pregnancy or against the background of PMS;
• weather changes – frosty, dry air, heat.

The severity of manifestations varies greatly from person to person, but a common symptom for all is severe dryness of the skin, peeling, and increased sensitivity to quite common external factors.

Allergy symptoms on the face in adults

Allergy manifestations on the face may vary depending on the type of reaction and age, specific allergen. Anaphylactic reactions are the brightest and most pronounced, they are characterized by swelling of the lips, lower face and neck, as well as the eyelid, which dramatically changes facial features.

Common manifestations typical of allergic reactions on the face include:

• small dotted rash or red spots all over the face or on the cheeks, forehead, chin;
• puffiness, relief of individual parts of the face;
• burning or painful itching, feeling of heat, tingling;
• swelling, redness of the eyelids, burning, crusts on the eyelashes;
• dryness, cracking, erosion of the skin.

Allergic reactions can occur abruptly, just a few minutes after contact with the allergen. In this case, they are considered anaphylactic and require especially close attention. Swelling of the lips, tongue, or neck can cause choking, so angioedema requires immediate medical attention.

Often, reactions occur a few hours or days after contact with the allergen, manifested in dryness, peeling and redness of the skin, small rashes with itching.

If it is contact dermatitis, the key points will be redness, itching, burning and swelling of the skin strictly at the site of the allergen. Small blisters may form in the area of ​​inflammation. Manifestations arise and intensify gradually, over two days and then also slowly disappear. The first contact with a hazardous substance may not cause a reaction – this is the sensitization stage.

Food allergies usually present with signs of dermatitis or anaphylaxis. Typical red itchy spots all over the face, swelling of the lips and eyelids, swelling of the tongue and throat, which makes breathing difficult and leads to pale, cyanotic skin.

Hay fever usually provokes a runny nose and redness of the wings of the nose, lacrimation and conjunctivitis, itching of the skin of the face, red spots. With a severe runny nose, there may be a feeling of pressure in the projection of the sinuses, headache and malaise.

Treatment of allergies on the face in adults

In many ways, the tactics of managing a patient depends on the type of allergic reaction, the localization of the elements and the severity of the manifestations. In order to be able to choose the right therapy, it is necessary to establish a diagnosis and determine the specific allergen.

Diagnostics

With the development of any kind of reactions on the skin of the face, you need to contact an allergist, especially if the reactions are repeated, and become stronger from time to time. The doctor will analyze in detail all the events that preceded the rashes, find out if there are any allergies in the family, what new substances, food, cosmetics have appeared in recent days. To confirm an allergy, the following may be recommended:

• blood tests with the study of the level of leukocytes, especially eosinophils;
• skin tests with an allergen (performed only without exacerbation);
• blood test for immunoglobulins;
• provocative tests and elimination diet;
• hypoallergenic home.

Modern treatments

Allergy treatment involves a combination of medications and non-drug therapies, including identification and elimination (elimination) of the allergen. Among the main drugs that are used to eliminate the symptoms of reactions, it is worth highlighting antihistamines. They can reduce swelling, redness and itching, burning, manifestations of urticaria on the face. Antihistamines reduce nasal congestion, conjunctivitis symptoms, and difficulty breathing. If a person knows they will be exposed to an allergen, they may take antihistamines beforehand to prevent or reduce the allergic reaction.

Antihistamines available as tablets, creams, eye drops, and nasal sprays, and available without a prescription (with a few exceptions).

Another class of drugs corticosteroids. They may be in the form of creams or ointments, nasal sprays, eye drops or tablets, injections. The hormones in their composition suppress acute inflammatory reactions and the release of histamine, which eliminates swelling and redness, itching and burning. They eliminate swelling of the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Corticosteroid creams with a low percentage of hormones are sold without a prescription, but stronger creams and steroids in the form of tablets, intramuscular injections, are used strictly by prescription.

Moisturizing, softening and soothing products, can help relieve irritation, flaking, redness and reduce itching. Plus, the products also form a film that protects against allergens.

In severe cases where the allergen is known, or if the allergy is persistent, the doctor may recommend immunotherapy. During the course, the person is gradually exposed to an increasing dose of the allergen (up to 2-3 years) so that the body can get used to it. This can reduce the severity and duration of allergy symptoms.

Prevention of allergies on the face in adults at home

Most allergic reactions can be eliminated by either taking antihistamines prior to exposure to the allergen, or avoiding the allergen entirely. Different types of reactions can be prevented in different ways.

• Food allergies. Always read labels and be careful when eating at restaurants, bakeries, delis and street food stalls. If there is even a small dose of the allergen in the composition of the dish, stop using it.
• Animal reactions. Refuse animals in the house, but if this is not possible, allocate a separate place for them, do not allow them into the bedroom, constantly wash the wool during walks, clean the house often.
• Pollinosis. Stay indoors and avoid walking in forests and parks when pollen levels are high. If unavoidable, take antihistamines and wear sunglasses and use a mask to keep the pollen out of your eyes and skin.
• Allergy to dust mites. Always use bedding with hypoallergenic covers. If possible, remove carpets and make wooden floors. Vacuum floors, air out and change bed linen regularly.

Popular questions and answers

Regarding facial allergies and their treatment, we spoke with general practitioner, endoscopist, head of the organizational and methodological office Lidia Golubenko.