Asthma and Allergy

[Lillibutt]

I am a young 61 year old and have developed severe reactions to all moisturisers and cosmetics, symptoms include tingling mouth and throat and breathing problems, or rhinitus, or tight throat, always sore eyes.  My skin is very dry and sore because I can't moisturise it.  I have spent thousands of pounds on products which never work, prescription moisturisers don't work either.  Will my skin deteoriate if I never use anything or will it eventually start to moisturise itself.  I am unable to protect it against the sun or wind and find it affecting my mental health and friendships and my patient husband.

[Lillibutt]

Sorry for the absence, but thank you for your advice.  I have had allergy tests through the NHS and a private test.  The private test came back with cows milk, pork, millet and rotations of shellfish and yeast. I am allergic to nickel. The more recent NHS test said I had no food allergies.
It seems to be contact allergy, everything that I put on my face results in a debilitating reaction, mainly very puffy sore eyes. (I never wear eye make up, this is just the moisturiser) I do not understand. I fear I am stuck with this problem, but worry that the dryness in my skin will turn into excema. Thank you for trying to help.

[Lillibutt]

So sorry that I have been unable to pick up your info.  Thank you for offering so much detailed help.  I have never known anyone who has a complete moisturiser and cosmetic allergy like me.  I feel very unwell with the emotional effects that this allergy causes.  I have gone four days without a moisturiser and my skin is very itchy all over.  The allergy symptoms have decreased though my eyes are sore and the skin round them is very tight.  I am trying to work on my digestive system now in the hope that it may show me some improvements. I take omega 3 and sunflower oil.  I will look into some of your suggested creams.  Thak you so much.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

For therapy the best way is to prevent attacks by identify those substances which you are allergic to and avoid them. So, Allergy testing would be worth looking into. And treatment is with cortisone based creams, which need to be very potent and of increased strength to heal.  Always wear gloves for  washing and while going outside, as cold increases drying. Don't wash your hands anymore than necessary and use very mild soaps. Apply constantly plenty of good moisturizing creams and alternate with steroid creams. Use a humidifier in the rooms to avoid dryness.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[jasmine1988]

Good evening, sorry about the skin reactions, it's not a pleasant experience. You could use over the counter creams and ointments that contain cortisone, these would help the inflamation resolve, relieving symptoms. You should also take note of the contents of cosmetics that you buy, if you happen to know the products you react to, it would help a long way in determining what products to buy. You could buy cosmetics that are hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and non comedogenic. Staying away from all cosmetics will definitely give a very dry skin, and that will not give a relief of symptoms. These products are less likely to cause allergy. When trying a new product, you might do a patch test, in which you put a little of the cosmetic on your wrist area, or elbow, and wait to see if there would be any reactions for 24 hours. There are other tips that might be useful, such as maintaining a good hygiene, never sharing makeup with anyone,replace lids of cosmetic containers, so that it is free of dust.Discard cosmetics when you notice a change in color, and odor. Clean brushes and applicators frequently. You might also buy cosmetics that have antioxidants in them, as this helps the healing process. Take care.