Allergy on the face – what it can be, how it manifests itself, what to do and how to get rid of it

What does an allergy look like on the face?

Outwardly, an allergic reaction on the face manifests itself in the form of reddening of the skin (usually in the area of ​​​​contact with the allergen), swelling, the face itches and seems to burn. In more severe allergies, red spots on the face may be accompanied by blisters, blistering rashes, and weeping. Swelling of the cheeks, eyelids, lips requires an immediate reaction, as the edema can spread to the larynx and cause suffocation.

What can cause allergic reactions on the face: the main causes

Allergies on the face can occur with direct contact of the irritant with the skin. An allergic reaction on the face can cause:

• Decorative cosmetics (make-up products, hair and eyebrow dyes, etc.);
• Skin care products;
• Metal jewelry (earrings, clip-on earrings, piercing elements);
• Latex products (for example, a balloon, a baby pacifier, a band-aid);
• Insect bites;
• Cold, ultraviolet.

The cause of an allergy on the face can be inhalation:

• plant pollen;
• Suspended chemicals (for example, washing powder);
• Evaporation from the drying of oil paints.

Finally, an allergy on the face can be a manifestation of a systemic reaction of the body to a substance that has entered the gastrointestinal tract or blood as part of food or medicines. The most common food allergens include:

• Fish and seafood;
• Citrus;
• Milk;
• Wheat;
• Eggs;
• Nuts (especially peanuts);
• Honey and bee products;
• Chocolate.

The reaction to external stimuli can manifest itself in the form of:

• allergic rhinitis (cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, swelling of the eyelids, lacrimation); this form of allergy, also called hay fever, is seasonal and is most often associated with a period of active flowering of a number of plants;
• allergic contact dermatitis (redness, itching, dryness, peeling of the skin); contact dermatitis manifests itself locally, in places that have been in direct contact with the allergen;
• urticaria (red or pink spots of various shapes and small blisters – similar to the reaction of the skin to a nettle burn); Most often, hives are caused by food allergens.

It is important to remember that any form of allergy is an individual reaction of a particular organism, allergies are not contagious and are not transmitted from person to person.

What to do if there is an allergic reaction on the face?

If you notice manifestations of allergies in yourself (for example, red spots on your face), you must first carefully analyze the situation, try to identify the allergen and exclude its further effect on the body (in particular, remove decorative cosmetics with a mild agent, protect the skin from direct sun, use insect repellants, etc.). Since an allergic reaction in the form of red spots or rashes on the face may not appear immediately, but after a few hours, you need to remember what foods you ate, what medications you took so as not to aggravate the situation by re-entering the allergen into the body. To relieve symptoms (red spots on the cheeks/neck/forehead, itching, swelling), you can take medications prescribed by your doctor. If the symptoms are too pronounced, the swelling does not go away, the general state of health worsens, you should immediately consult a doctor to prevent anaphylactic shock and Quincke’s edema. To get an accurate answer to the question of what exactly causes an allergic reaction on the face, it is best to contact a specialist for laboratory diagnostics. It includes skin tests in the form of notches on the skin or strips glued to the skin with various allergens. An abnormal skin reaction (redness, swelling) allows you to identify the “same” allergen.

There is no universal cure for allergies. The drugs prescribed by the doctor, both external and for oral administration, only relieve unpleasant symptoms, strengthen the immune system and prevent serious consequences, such as Quincke’s edema and anaphylactic shock. To the question “how to smear the face with allergies”, adults or children have only one answer: what the doctor prescribes. These can be non-hormonal or hormonal ointments and creams that effectively combat allergy symptoms such as redness, dryness, burning, itching, and flaking. With strict adherence to medical prescriptions, significant relief will come in a matter of days. The main thing is not to comb your face in any case, so as not to injure the skin and prevent infection of the wounds.

In addition, it must be remembered that sensitive, allergy-prone facial skin requires careful handling and daily care. Allergy-prone skin care should restore it and strengthen its protective function. The sequence of application of therapeutic ointments and care products should be agreed with a specialist.

Allergy-Prone Skin Care: A Review of La Roche-Posay

Before using any new skin care products for allergy-prone skin, you need to make sure that these products themselves do not cause irritation to the skin. A small amount of cosmetic should be applied to the inside of the forearm. In case of any atypical skin reaction, the use of the product will have to be abandoned.

Allergy-prone facial skin should be protected from direct sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreens, as well as use special creams that protect the face from exposure to low temperatures, and cover the face with a soft scarf in cold weather.

Allergy-prone skin should be cleaned with warm water using soft foams or gels; after washing, you do not need to rub your face with a towel, but just gently pat it dry. It is recommended to refuse scrubs and peels. When choosing moisturizers and sunscreens, look for those that are designed for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.

La Roche-Posay’s special Toleriane* range of dermatological cosmetics is designed specifically for those with hypersensitive and allergic skin.

TOLERIANE* CLEANSING GEL TREATMENT TOLERIANE cleansing gel-care for washing is designed for sensitive skin care. Soft gel without foaming ingredients gently cleanses the skin and is suitable for removing make-up (except for the area around the eyes).

The active cleansing formula contains 3 soothing ingredients:

• Niacinamide soothes and relieves discomfort,
• Panthenol restores and softens the skin,
• La Roche-Posay thermal water soothes and protects the skin.

The formula is enriched with Ceramide to help maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier to retain moisture.

* Tolerable

TOLERIANE ULTRA DERMALLERGO SERUM** For hypersensitive and allergy-prone skin of the face and the area around the eyes, prone to irritation, redness, reactions to external factors. Hypersensitive and allergy-prone skin is characterized by a weakened natural barrier that is responsible for protecting the skin from external factors. The light, non-sticky texture of the serum is instantly absorbed, providing a long-lasting feeling of comfort. Suitable as a base for make-up.

** Toleran Ultra Dermallergo

TOLERIANE DERMALLERGO*** CREAM

Intensive care visibly soothes, moisturizes and reduces the manifestations of skin sensitivity: flaking, tightness, dryness and discomfort. Restores and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier. Apply morning and evening to face, neck and eye area. Cream texture for dry skin.

***Tolerated Dermallergo

TOLERIANE DERMALLERGO SOOTHING NIGHT CARE

The Dermallergo treatment visibly soothes, moisturizes and reduces the signs of skin sensitivity: flaking, tightness, dryness and discomfort. Restores and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier while you sleep.

Tested under dermatological control. Hypoallergenic. Doesn’t clog pores. 0% fragrances, ethyl alcohol, dyes, parabens.

TOLERIANE DERMALLERGO FOR EYE CONTOUR

Do you have hypersensitive skin around the eyes that reacts to external influences? Soothing care Toleriane Dermallergo is suitable even for application to the moving eyelid, reduces the discomfort of the skin around the eyes associated with environmental exposure, constant work at the computer, wearing contact lenses. Hypoallergenic. 0% fragrances ethyl alcohol, dyes, parabens. Tested under dermatological control. Lightweight and soft texture.

Prevention: how to prevent allergies on the face

Although getting rid of allergies once and for all will not work, allergy sufferers need to take preventive measures, avoiding contact with irritants. Sometimes these measures can be quite drastic: you may have to part with your beloved pet, change jobs or move to another area – for the sake of your health. Fortunately, in most cases, all that is required is reasonable discretion and adjustment of household habits.

To avoid different types of allergies on the face, it is worth taking a number of precautions.

• Do not self-medicate, coordinate with the doctor the intake of any medications.
• Be wary of trying exotic foods.
• Do not be shy to clarify the composition of dishes in a restaurant or at a party if you already know what exactly can cause you an allergic reaction on your face.
• Use decorative cosmetics in which you are confident.
• Protect your face from extreme weather conditions.
• Have antihistamines in your first aid kit.

Simple preventive actions and competent care for sensitive facial skin will help you maintain beauty and health.