Not-so-fun in the sun: what is a sunscreen allergy?

24th June 2020

Not-so-fun in the sun: what is a sunscreen allergy?

It’s officially summer and with any luck, we’ll get some nice weather. We’ve already been quite blessed so far, but you can’t beat some sun for the perfect summer feeling. Chill in the garden, a cold drink in hand, and enjoy the rays.

It sounds perfect, but not if you have an allergy to sunscreen. The other option – turning a painful shade of red – isn’t ideal either. So how do you know if you have a sunscreen allergy and what can you do if you happen to have one?

What does a sunscreen allergy look like?

It’s important to know you aren’t necessarily allergic to sunscreen itself. It’ll be a specific ingredient in the product you’re reacting to. It’s similar to any other skincare product; there’s always a risk one or two ingredients might give you an allergic reaction. It’s rare, but it can happen. With sunscreen, it could be the chemicals or it might be the fragrance.

If you have a reaction, you’ll notice it on your skin. It might not be too dissimilar to a sunburn. Your skin will turn red, but the difference is it will be itchy and look more like a rash. Other symptoms might include hives, raised bumps, blisters, or even bleeding.

Diagnosing the allergy can be tricky due to how long it might take to see a reaction. For some people, it might happen instantly. For others, it might take a couple of days. And in some cases, it might not happen unless you go out into the sunlight.

How to treat it

If you notice you have a reaction to a certain product, never use it again. That much is obvious. At this point, you should book an appointment to see your doctor so you can get a proper diagnosis.

If you feel you have to use sunscreen in the meantime, find a different product. Look for something with different ingredients to the one that gave you a reaction. When you buy it, test it before applying it to your whole body. Dab a small amount onto a discrete part of your skin, such as your upper thigh or in your elbow. Wait a couple of days to see if you react. If not, then you should be safe to use it on your whole body.

We don’t recommend this self-diagnosis approach as it isn’t guaranteed. A GP can refer you to a dermatologist or allergy specialist if they need to. They will be much better equipped to get to the bottom of your allergic reaction.

Don’t suffer in silence. If you have an undiagnosed allergy, see a specialist about it today. It can transform your life and allow you to live free and breathe easy. Get in touch with our experts on 02031 433 449.

Strange signs you might be having an allergic reaction

12th February 2020

Strange signs you might be having an allergic reaction

It’s crazy what the human body is capable of. There are people who have mastered the art of echolocation – using sound to figure out where things are around them. Some people have synesthesia, meaning they can taste words and colours, or literally see music. 

But the same complexity that makes these superhuman abilities possible is the same one that sometimes makes it hard to understand. With allergies, there are certain things to look out for to help you make sense of the madness. Here are some symptoms to be aware of.

Skin tumours

Some people who get permanent tattoos develop strange growths on their skin. However, they may not realise these result from an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink. Red tattoo ink is the most common ink responsible for these reactions. 

Itchy rash

Allergic rashes can come in many forms, even bumpy, itchy ones. Some people who are allergic to certain metals like nickel get these skin rashes and don’t really know why. The metal is in mobile phones, jewellery, and even braces, so it makes knowing the cause of your symptoms difficult. 

A red butt

People who have allergies to certain metals, plants, or medications can develop Baboon syndrome. It’s a real condition, caused by dermatitis because of an allergic reaction. It is usually a reaction to certain antibiotics, such as penicillin.

A swollen tongue

A swollen tongue during an allergic reaction isn’t uncommon. However, when you don’t expect it, it can lead to panic. This can be especially true for people with hay fever. They may not realise they’re at risk of oral allergy syndrome as fruits and vegetables contain similar proteins to those in pollen. Therefore, when you eat them, the body reacts to the food and may cause a swollen tongue. 

Black spots on the skin

One study showed some people develop black spots on their skin as a reaction to poison ivy or poison oak. An itchy rash in response to these plants is common, but the black spots are less so. What’s strange about these spots is that they peel off over time. 

An allergic reaction can take on many forms. If you’re experiencing strange symptoms, you shouldn’t rule out an allergy just yet as you never know what the cause could be. 

If your symptoms are getting in the way of your life, it’s time to get tested to see if they’re because of an allergy. All you need to do is to book an appointment with one of the consultants at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre today.

Kicking allergy worries to the curb: How to stay in control

25th September 2019

Kicking allergy worries to the curb: How to stay in control

For anyone with an allergy, there comes a point when you feel like giving up. You’re sick and tired of allergies getting in the way of plans with friends, holidays, dates, and the constant irritation they bring. You want to scream, and the only reason you don’t is you know it won’t make a difference to your symptoms. Your eyes will keep itching, your nose will keep running, your stomach will keep bloating, and you’ll keep having to cancel plans. That is until you take a stand and do something about this annoyance.

Almost 20% of allergy patients struggle daily with the fear of a possible asthma attack, anaphylactic shock, or even death from an allergy. But having an allergy doesn’t mean you have to suffer from it. While many allergies are severe, and a simple trip to the pharmacy won’t stop them, there are behavioural changes, medical techniques, and ways to educate yourself so you no longer feel like your allergies are in control.

Educate yourself

It’s surprising how many people don’t know the ins and outs of their own allergy. However, the internet might not always be the best place to learn, considering it’s full of myths. But if you want to master your allergy, you’ll need to sift through the false information and get to the facts. One of the best ways to do this is to take direction from a professional allergist. Ask your allergy doctor for reputable sources and information regarding your allergy and any advice they can give. As experts in the field, they can give you helpful tips to make sure you know all you need to know to stay safe and live the life you want. 

Seek expert advice

While there isn’t a cure for allergies, there are more and more treatments available to help treat them. You might not know of some advanced treatments including immunotherapy, sublingual immunotherapy, or anti-IGE treatment. These treatments have changed many people’s lives, giving them relief from the symptoms of even severe allergies. To find out if there are more advanced treatments available for your allergy, you’ll need to talk to an allergy consultant who is an expert in treating allergies. 

Those with severe allergies may never know the luxury of being able to do things on a whim, like catching flights and visiting random restaurants that catch your eye on the high street. You must plan ahead. But this doesn’t mean life has to be boring. Most people wish they were more organised because it helps you to make time for friends and families, not waste time, and experience new things without feeling rushed or stressed. 

Sometimes, changing your mindset can be as good as changing your lifestyle to live a fulfilling life with an allergy. But medical treatment and advice is the best way to change your life and stay in control of your allergies. Get in touch with one of the consultants at London Allergy and Immunology Centre today on 0203 143 3449.

Allergic to leather – what is it and how to diagnose it

4th March 2019

Allergic to leather – what is it and how to diagnose it

The world is full of strange allergies. From the food you eat to the clothes you wear, you can be allergic to almost anything. But it still might surprise you to know that one of those things can be leather!

You can find this material, made from animals, on bags, shoes, jackets, and sofas. If someone suffers from a leather allergy, they will usually have reactions on their skin after wearing or touching leather. It’s strange, but it’s true!

What causes it?

The process to create leather requires a lot of different chemicals. Patients with a leather allergy are normally allergic to dimethyl fumarate (DMF), which helps with the tanning process. This chemical is used for its antifungal properties, but unfortunately, it can cause uncomfortable skin reactions for those allergic to it. If left untreated, these skin reactions can be really painful.  

What are the symptoms of a leather allergy?

If you’re allergic and come into contact with leather, the skin gets red and tender. Commonly known as a rash, you might know it as its medical name – contact dermatitis. Other symptoms of contact dermatitis include itchy, burning, peeling, or dry skin.

A leather allergy can be difficult to diagnose for many reasons. The first is that symptoms of this allergy are often delayed. They can also occur after prolonged exposure rather than instant contact. The symptoms of contact dermatitis are also very similar to eczema, highlighting the importance of getting a diagnosis by a board-certified allergist.

How is a leather allergy diagnosed?

Normally an allergist can spot a leather allergy by examining your feet, hands, and wrists – the most common place for symptoms to appear. When the diagnosis is unclear, they will use a patch test. This is the most accurate way to test it and works by applying small amounts of the allergen to the skin via patches. After removing them, an allergist will examine your skin.

After a diagnosis, an allergist will provide a treatment plan to help manage current symptoms and offer advice to avoid unwanted symptoms in the future.

Living allergy-free isn’t always easy, but it isn’t impossible. Don’t risk putting your health and life at risk. Request an allergy test with us today or visit our website to find out how we can help you.