Allergies and Sensitivities: What's the difference?

Most of us have experienced an allergic reaction or sensitivity at some point in our lives.

Allergies are a leading cause of chronic disease. It’s unknown why certain people develop allergic sensitivities. In some cases, it may take repeated exposure over a long period of time before an allergy develops, or it could be a combination of certain chemicals. 

If you’ve ever had a reaction to a skincare product, be it natural or otherwise, you can relate to the experience. It can be unpleasant and debilitating. People who tend to have sensitive skin are often sensitised to an irritant, rather than being inherently sensitive.

Although you might be born with a genetic makeup capable of developing allergies, you may not be allergic to specific allergens. For an allergic sensitivity to develop, its dependent on specific genes acquired from your parents, the degree and length of exposure and/or exposure to one or more allergens to which you have a genetically programmed response. 

If you’ve had a reaction to a product or procedure, it’s more likely a form of dermatitis which causes an inflammatory disorder or condition. Allergic reactions to products are often a form of dermatitis.

There are several types of dermatitis: 

ATOPIC DERMATITIS/ECZEMA

Is genetic and affects 10–20% of the population. It’s a chronic, long lasting form of dermatitis that’s difficult to manage and appears episodically. Common symptoms are dry, red, scaly patches of skin that can be itchy. When it’s severe, eczema can be very painful and cause fissures in the skin. It usually affects the backs of the knees, elbow, hands, face and in severe cases, the entire body. If you suffer from eczema, a chemical may be the cause, but other factors can play a role. Whatever the case, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Reactions vary due to our unique biochemical makeup.  

CONTACT DERMATITIS

ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS

Is when you have a true allergy to something that you’ve topically applied, ingested or inhaled. Your immune system overreacts and launches its defence mechanisms. When your skin encounters an individual ingredient or combination of ingredients, your immune system responds by accepting, rejecting or adapting to the substance. This usually occurs within 6 to 48 hours after exposure. If a reaction occurs, your body naturally produces histamines as a defence mechanism to rid the body of the unwanted toxin. Subsequent exposure to the same substance may vary. You may experience swelling, redness, itching, warm to burning skin, rash-like pimples and general irritation. Associated symptoms could be sneezing, coughing, difficult or obstructed breathing and may be linked to respiratory illnesses like asthma and sinusitis. In extreme cases, reactions can cause anaphylaxis and be fatal.  

IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS

Is known as a sensitised reaction. It’s not an allergic reaction, because it doesn’t involve your immune system. It’s localised and happens immediately (within the hour) after exposure to an irritant. Symptoms may include stinging, itching, redness, swelling or a chemical burn. The reaction subsides once the irritant is removed. The skin can then become scaly, dry, flaky, cracked and fissured. Common irritants are the same as allergic reactions, except for food allergies like peanuts or seafood. 

The simplest way to determine which type of dermatitis you have is by the time involved. If it’s immediate, then it’s irritant. If several hours or days have elapsed since exposure, then it's most likely an allergic response.  

Dermal reactions are different from food intolerances, but your diet can play a major role in the integrity of your skin. Ingested allergens should be independently assessed. Just because you are unable to consume nuts for example, doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have a negative reaction to a topical application. 

INFLUENCES AND DETERMINING FACTORS

• A change of medication or new prescription drugs may cause hypersensitivity.
• Age – the younger you are, the more intolerant your system may be.
• Hormonal changes such as the onset of puberty, pregnancy or menopause.

STRESS OR ILLNESS CHECKLIST

• Determine that you're dealing with an allergy or sensitising reaction to a product and not a skin disorder.
• Work out what ingredient/s or product/s is causing the problem through a process of elimination and then discontinue use. 
• You may also need to have tests done – specific epidermal and intradermal skin testing can assist with defining sensitivity to common allergens.
• While you’re dealing with a reaction, avoid using any other skin irritants and abrasive substances over the affected area.
• Avoid saunas – heat, steam, sweating and rubbing the affected area can re-trigger a reaction.
• If you experience a severe allergic reaction in the form of hives, swollen eyes and skin and tingling red patches, consult your doctor or health care practitioner for alternative options. For immediate relief, you may need to pop an antihistamine.
• If symptoms continue after 4-6 weeks, it’s advisable to see a dermatologist for an accurate evaluation.
• Pay close attention to what you use. Read the ingredient listing thoroughly and use fewer products. 
• Wear gloves when using household cleaning products. Be aware of skin-to-skin transfer from topical applications on people you may come into close contact with.
• Contact the manufacturer if you're unsure if an allergen or sensitiser is included in a product. Not all manufacturers disclose their full ingredient list.
• If you know you’re prone to chemical sensitivities, buy  clean, organic products and perform a patch test on the inside of your arm. Cover and leave for 24 hours. You can also place a small amount of product on the skin behind your ear for 2-3 days. If there's any redness, tingling or irritation, then this product may not be for you.
• Unfortunately, there’s no definitive list of ingredients to avoid due to the limitless combinations of cosmetic formulations, but below you’ll find a list of common allergens that regularly show up. With correct management and education, allergic responses can be controlled and eliminated. 

COMMON SOURCES OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS

The number one allergen in cosmetic products is FRAGRANCE followed by PRESERVATIVES. These two culprits are found in almost all mass-produced products. Fragrances, whether they’re synthetic or natural in origin, can have a cumulative effect. Avoid products that contain fragrance, perfume. There are literally hundreds of fragrances, so it’s easier to avoid all fragrances rather than to do specific testing.

Remember fragrances are insidious and found in just about everything from your candles to your laundry detergent to your garbage liners, so you may need to do a full house detox.

Hypoallergenic products and those marked "fragrance free” may still contain fragrances. Avoid products labeled as "unscented perfumes”.

Preservatives are a necessary addition, but a lot of broad spectrum, antimicrobial agents are known sensitisers and should be avoided especially when there are now several alternative, cleaner preservation options. 

AVOID

• Chemical sunscreen filters – octinoxate, avobenzone, benzophenones  – oxybenzone, dioxybenzone, sulisobenzone)
• Detergents containing strong sulfates (found in cleansers) – sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate
• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives – DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl, urea, quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
• Other preservatives – Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, benzyl), methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, phenoxyethanol
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Propylene glycol
• SD alcohol
• Acetone
• Aerosol products
• Lanolin & lanolin derivatives
• Methacrylates
• Exfoliating ingredients
• Ascorbic acid
• Retinoids 
• Colours/dyes 
• Metals found in jewellery – nickel, cobalt
• Heavy metals
• Common plant sensitisers – angelica, anise, celery oil & leaves, cinnamon, ginkgo, mango, mint, thyme
• Synthetic dyes and colourants
• Synthetic fabrics
• Seafood
• Peanuts and other nuts 

DO YOU SUFFER FROM ALLERGIES OR SENSITIVITIES? WE'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR STORY ABOUT WHAT KINDS OF SKINCARE PRODUCTS AND COSMETICS GIVE YOU GRIEF AND HOW YOU DEAL WITH IT. SHARE YOUR STORY AND YOU'LL GO INTO OUR DRAW TO RECEIVE $150 WORTH OF MEEKA PRODUCTS. 

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