Facial allergies can occur due to the contact of some substance with the skin, a reaction to some cosmetic products, the use of medication or food intake, for example, causing symptoms such as redness, itching and swelling of the face.
In the case of an allergy on the face, it is important that a dermatologist is consulted so that an assessment can be made of the signs and symptoms presented by the person and their lifestyle habits, and specific tests may also be recommended to identify the cause of the allergy. .
Treatment for allergies on the face must be guided by a dermatologist and depends on the cause that leads to skin reactions in this area of the body, however, in some cases, the use of anti-allergy medications and corticosteroid ointments may be indicated.
Main causes
The main causes of facial allergies are:
1. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction that occurs when a substance comes into contact with the skin of the face, and is identified by the appearance of bumps and red spots on the skin that itch and can lead to the formation of scaly crusts on the skin. Check out other symptoms of contact dermatitis.
This type of reaction can happen at any age, including in children, and can appear immediately upon the first contact of the skin with a product or substance, such as jewelry, soap or latex, or it can appear weeks, months or even years after the first use. .
What to do: The treatment for contact dermatitis is done by eliminating contact with the agent that causes the allergy on the face, and the dermatologist may recommend medications such as anti-allergens and corticosteroids and ointments with corticosteroids, such as betamethasone, for example.
2. Reaction to cosmetics
The use of cosmetic products, such as makeup, moisturizing creams, tonics and/or acids, for example, can cause allergies, with the appearance of symptoms such as redness, itching, papules and even swelling on the face, in some cases. These symptoms arise because the body understands that the product is an invasive agent, and therefore causes an exaggerated reaction in the facial skin.
What to do: The best way to improve allergic reactions to cosmetics is to stop using the product, as this is enough to reduce symptoms. However, if the symptoms persist even after stopping the use of the cosmetic, anti-allergy medications can be used or if the allergic reaction on the face is very strong, it is important to consult a dermatologist to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
3. Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease that mainly affects children and arises due to genetic factors and changes in the skin barrier. Symptoms can appear as an allergy on the face and manifest itself through excessive dryness of the skin, itching and the presence of eczema, which is a scaly patch on the skin.
This disease is triggered when the body overreacts to certain allergens, this means that skin cells cause a reaction in the skin due to exposure of the mother during pregnancy to certain products, climate changes, cigarette smoke or even even due to infectious agents such as bacteria and fungi. Check out other causes of atopic dermatitis.
What to do: Atopic dermatitis has no cure, but symptoms can be controlled by eliminating the factors that trigger skin lesions, as well as hydrating the skin and controlling inflammation and itching with corticosteroids, anti-allergic or immunosuppressant medications, which must be indicated. by the dermatologist.
4. Use of medications
The use of certain medications, such as aspirin and penicillin-based antibiotics, can cause allergic reactions, including facial allergies, in which redness and itching of the skin on the face can be noticed. This situation occurs because the immune system overreacts when it recognizes these substances in the body.
What to do: When facial allergies are accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling of the face and tongue, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as this can cause anaphylactic shock, which corresponds to a serious allergic reaction and can put the person’s life in jeopardy. risk. See what anaphylactic shock is, symptoms and how to treat it.
5. Consumption of some foods
Some types of food, such as shrimp and pepper, can also cause allergies to appear on the face, causing symptoms such as redness, itching, and can also lead to swelling of the eyes, lips and tongue, shortness of breath and vomiting. See more about food allergies.
What to do: It is important to identify the food responsible for the allergic reaction so that you can avoid consuming it. Furthermore, to alleviate symptoms, the doctor may recommend the use of antihistamines and/or corticosteroids.
6. Sun exposure
Sun exposure can cause facial allergies in some people, as it leads to the emergence of so-called photosensitivity to ultraviolet rays, which can set in even within a few minutes of exposure to the sun.
This situation occurs because when coming into contact with ultraviolet rays, the body releases chemical substances that cause an immediate response from the immune system, causing rashes, itching and redness on the skin of the face. Facial allergies caused by sun exposure must be confirmed by a dermatologist through a history of the person’s symptoms and examination of skin lesions.
What to do: Treatment for facial allergies caused by sun exposure is recommended by a dermatologist and consists mainly of the use of ointments and corticosteroid-based medications to reduce the immune system’s reaction.
7. Cholinergic urticaria
Cholinergic urticaria is characterized by a skin allergy, which can appear on the face, which appears due to an increase in body temperature, and is very common after physical exercise and bathing in hot water. In some cases, this type of skin reaction arises from perspiration and sweat, in an anxiety attack, for example.
Redness and itching of the skin generally appears on the face, neck and chest, it can also spread throughout the body and, in some cases, excessive salivation, watery eyes and diarrhea can also occur. Check out other symptoms of cholinergic urticaria.
What to do: Treatment for cholinergic urticaria can be done by applying ice-cold water compresses to the face and areas where redness appears, however, when symptoms are very intense, it is best to consult a dermatologist to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
