REACTIONS TO COSMETICS, PERFUMES AND SOAPS

REACTIONS TO COSMETICS, PERFUMES AND SOAPS

Cosmetics, perfumes and soaps are very important in our daily life. These products enhance appearance, cares personal hygiene .They don’t contain active drug ingredients. Many reactions are seen due to the usage of one or more products for a long year. Problems associated with cosmetics and skin care products are Contact Urticaria & rarely contact Anaphylaxis, Irritant Contact dermatitis, Allergic Contact dermatitis, Photosensitivity and also cause different skin allergies. Perfumes are obtained from much plant and animal extracts which contain organic and nonorganic compounds. Perfumes contain common ‘fixatives‘such as balsams, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylates and synthetic musk which may cause local eczematous reaction. Perfumes reduce sweating which causes damage in structure and function of skin. Perfumes cause rashes and certain allergic conditions, such as rhinitis or asthma.

A fragrance which is present in perfumes and soaps, cause airway obstruction in asthmatic patients, including wheezing and causes contact dermatitis which is a common cosmetic allergy. Sunscreens and creams used for cleaning and lightening of the skin containing ammoniated mercury may cause skin sensitization. Lip dermatis is caused due to additives or di and tetrabromofluorocin present in cosmetics. Reaction to cosmetics, perfumes and soaps results in allergy which is caused by substance called allergens. Skin reacts to these substances and it mistakenly believes is harmful which causes allergies. All cosmetics have the potential to cause allergic reactions. There are no ‘allergy free’ cosmetic products. There are several steps you can take to try and avoid cosmetic allergy reactions but the best and primary treatment for most cosmetic allergies is avoid cosmetic products.