Cosmetics are used by most of us nowadays. However, in some cases they can cause skin allergies. Cosmetic allergy refers to a skin reaction caused by an ingredient present in the cosmetic product. The ingredients that may contain allergens include preservatives, fragrances, dyes or metals present in cosmetics. Allergies can occur to various cosmetic and beauty products, such as makeup products, lipstick, nail polish, soaps, shampoos, lotions, perfumes, hair dyes, etc. Allergies can be mild, resulting in mild signs and symptoms, or severe, depending on the case to case. It can cause two types of allergies. The first type is irritant contact dermatitis which involves irritation and damage to the skin from cosmetics such as make-up products. The second type is allergic contact dermatitis, which involves a hypersensitive response of the immune system to an allergen present in the cosmetic. Although an allergic reaction can occur on any part of the body, it most commonly occurs on the face, lips, eyes, neck and ears. The signs and symptoms may include a rash on the skin, hives (itchy bumps on the skin due to an allergic reaction), reddish spots on the skin; itching, stinging or burning sensation on the skin, flaking or peeling of the skin, blisters (fluid-filled bumps) on the skin, pustules (pus-filled bumps) on the skin and darkening of the skin. There may be swelling of the eyes and lips as well as itchy, watery, red eyes. In some cases, a serious reaction called anaphylaxis may occur that requires immediate medical attention. Some of the symptoms of anaphylaxis include a swollen throat or tongue that can cause airway obstruction, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, weak and rapid pulse, and low blood pressure.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy is a very safe option to treat skin allergies caused by cosmetics. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that are safe to use and have no side effects. These medicines help moderate the overactive immune system, control an allergic reaction and provide great relief from signs and symptoms. These medicines effectively treat rashes, hives, redness of the skin, itching, stinging or burning sensation on the skin, flaking or peeling of the skin and blisters on the skin. In any case, homeopathic medicines are selected based on the signs and symptoms after a detailed analysis. Therefore, it is advised to take any homeopathic medicine after consultation with a homeopathic doctor. In any case, avoid self-medication. Homeopathic medicines are recommended for mild to moderate cases of skin allergy due to cosmetics, but in severe cases, help from conventional treatment is advised. Be alert for any signs of anaphylaxis that occur in a severe allergic reaction where one should immediately and urgently seek the help of conventional treatment as homeopathy has limitations in treating these severe cases.
Homeopathic medicines for skin allergy from cosmetics
1. Apis Mellifica – Top Recommended Medicine
Apis Mellifica is a very effective medicine to treat cases of skin allergy due to cosmetics. This medicine can be used if there is redness and heat on the face caused by an allergy. Swelling may also be accompanied by a burning sensation. A stabbing or pricking sensation may also be felt. Sometimes there is formication (a feeling as if insects are crawling on or under the skin) on the face. The skin can be hypersensitive to even the slightest touch. There is an urge to wash the face with cold water when this medicine is needed. This medicine is also recommended when hives (itchy bumps on the skin due to an allergic reaction) appear on the face. Red, raised, inflamed patches appear on the affected area of the skin with noticeable itching. Burning/stinging also occurs on the hives.
2. Bovista – To treat pimples through cosmetic use
This medicine is well indicated for the treatment of pimples on the face due to the use of cosmetics. A heated sensation is felt in the cheeks. In some cases, crusts form around the nostrils and corners of the mouth when necessary. Dry and cracked lips may also be present where Bovista is needed.
3. Arsenic album – for dry, rough rashes with flakes
This medicine is useful for treating dry, rough rashes on the skin that are covered with flakes. There is also peeling of the skin. Itching and burning sensation on the rash are marked. The complaint becomes worse with a cold. Pimples or fluid-filled eruptions may also occur on the face. It is accompanied by itching and burning sensation that gets worse at night. It is also made worse by exposure to cold air while there is relief in a warm environment. Stabbing pain is also felt in the face. In addition to the above indications, the use of this medicine is also recommended for the treatment of blackish discoloration of the skin.
4. Sulfur – To control itching in the affected skin area
Sulfur is very useful in treating cases with marked itching of the skin. In cases where this medicine is required, the itching worsens especially at night. A burning sensation on the skin follows scratching the skin. Bleeding points may also appear on the skin after scratching. After scratching, pain is felt on the affected skin area. The skin is dry and flaky. Formication, the feeling of insects crawling on or under the skin, can also be felt. In addition to the above complaints, a stinging or prickling sensation may sometimes occur on the skin.
5. Graphites – For treating dry, rough skin with cracks
Graphite is a prominently indicated drug to control dryness and roughness of the skin, in addition to the development of cracks. It is accompanied by itching. There are bumps on the skin after scratching the skin. In addition, this medicine is also indicated when blisters appear on the skin that tend to ooze a sticky, glue-like discharge. These blisters can also become covered with scabs over time. This medicine is then considered for treating pimples and itching. Heat waves are also felt on the face. Finally, this drug can be used to treat cases where nails become brittle, deformed and painful.
6. Natrum Mur – To treat hives and blisters
Natrum Mur is another beneficial medicine besides Apis Mellifica to treat hives due to allergies. In cases where this is necessary, large red bumps form on the skin. It is accompanied by severe itching. In addition, Natrum Mur can be used to treat fluid-filled eruptions, i.e. blisters on the skin. These eruptions break and are then covered with flakes. Natrum Mur can be further used when the lips become dry and cracks appear on the lips and also in the corners of the mouth.
7. Rhus Tox – To control thick, crusty breakouts
Rhus Tox is a suitable drug for treating cases with thick, crusty eruptions. These ooze fluid that has a very foul odor. The eruptions itch along with a burning sensation. There is an urge to scratch the rash and the urge increases as soon as scratching occurs. Tingling pain in eruptions may also be felt. It is also useful when eruptions occur along with the formation of scales.
8. Psorinum – For heat and redness on the face
This medicine is effective in controlling heat and redness on the face. Pimples can occur on the cheeks, nose or chin. There is roughness on the face. The upper lip may be swollen. There may be noticeable sweating on the face.