What chemicals cause sensitivities?
The products you use every day contain chemicals that can cause a reaction. Chemical sensitivities are also a common health hazard on the job, where hundreds of chemicals lead to problems like contact dermatitis and asthma.
There are too many environmental and occupational chemicals to create a complete list, so these are a few examples of chemicals and the products where they’re often found:
- Perfumes used in soaps, moisturizers, and cosmetics
- Preservatives and antibacterial chemicals added to household cleaners
- Surfactants in dish soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent
- Formaldehyde in laundry detergent and nail care products
- Sunscreens found in moisturizers, lip balms, and makeup
- Chemicals that add thickness
- Dyes in a multitude of products
- Nickel in jewelry
You’re already familiar with several of the most common environmental chemical irritants, which include cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and pesticides.
What symptoms develop if I have a chemical sensitivity?
The symptoms you develop depend on whether the chemical comes into contact with your skin or you inhale a chemical irritant. Contact with a chemical leads to skin conditions, while an airborne chemical affects your respiratory tract.
You may experience symptoms such as:
- Red skin
- Hives
- Swollen skin
- Scaly patches of skin
- Blisters that can ooze
- Burning or itching skin or eyes
- Thickened, discolored skin
- Swelling in your face
- Runny or congested nose
- Wheezing or coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Sweating
- Dizziness
Your symptoms may start immediately or within a day, or they may not appear for up to a week after you came into contact with the chemical.
How are chemical sensitivities treated?
When you schedule an appointment at Allergy & Environmental Treatment Center, LLC, they talk with you about your medical history and the details about your symptoms.
Your provider also learns about your environment so they can determine the possible chemicals responsible for your symptoms. If they suspect an allergy, they perform allergy testing using intradermal allergy testing or another type of test, depending on the suspected chemical.
The first line of treatment is avoiding the chemical. Your provider helps you identify the sources of the chemical that cause your symptoms. Then they develop a plan to prevent or limit exposure to the substance.
If you need help with chemical sensitivities, call Allergy & Environmental Treatment Center, LLC, or schedule an appointment online today.
