About Allergies: Allergy to Hair Dye, Cosmetics and Body Piercings

If you can't see this email, click here

Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies The use of various cosmetics is becoming more common in people of all ages, from teenagers to older adults. From hair dye to eye shadow, and from ear piercings to tongue piercings, decorating various body parts is the latest craze, although people may get more than they bargained for. These items may cause contact dermatitis, an itchy rash that resembles poison ivy/oak rashes. Have you experienced an itchy rash after getting your hair dyed, at the site where make-up was applied, or where you have a body piercing? You may have a cosmetic allergy. Hair Dye and Cosmetic Allergy Cosmetic-induced contact dermatitis is common, since people may apply numerous chemicals to their skin, hair and scalp daily. Typically, the rash will occur on the skin where the cosmetic was applied, although sometimes the rash will occur on another part of the body (for example, reactions to nail polish may first cause an eyelid rash as a result of touching the eyelid). It's possible for an allergy to a substance to develop even after years of using the cosmetic without previous problems. Common Causes of Eyelid Rashes Eyelid rashes are a common problem, especially for women, and can be caused by a variety of allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases. The skin over the eyelids is very thin, and is especially susceptible to rashes caused by allergy. I commonly see patients with eyelid rashes in my practice as an allergist, and most people are surprised when they find out the cause of their symptoms. A large portion of these patients have allergic causes to their symptoms, often due to cosmetics or hair care products that they use in everyday life. Allergy to Body Piercings Many body piercings involve the placement of metallic objects in the ears, nose, navel, and even the tongue. Since metals are frequently the causative triggers for contact dermatitis, it's possible for people to experience allergic reactions to body piercing jewelry. Allergies Ads Allergy to Metal Allergies Allergy Hair Dye Contact Dermatitis Featured Articles Drug and Latex Allergies Insect Allergies Anaphylaxis Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies Glossary of Terms   More from About.com Is it a Cold or the Flu? Knowing whether you have a cold or the flu can help you treat your symptoms more effectively. More> Concerned About Your Drinking? This short quiz can help you identify whether or not you have a drinking problem. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement