Body mods: allergies to bear in mind before changing your look

25th August 2021

Body mods: allergies to bear in mind before changing your look

We’re all unique. Everyone has their own personality, perspective, and way of approaching life. It’s part of the package of being human. Many of us use our appearances to highlight our uniqueness. And altering our appearance is nothing new. In fact, the oldest evidence of tattoos dates back to 3370 BC. 

But before you take the plunge and get that new tattoo or piercing, it’s important to be aware of the potential allergy risks…

Tattoos 

40% of people aged 18-34 have at least one tattoo. But, despite their growing popularity, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to tattoo ink pigment, with red ink being most common. Symptoms include red, bumpy, itchy rashes. And these can occur in as little as a few days after getting your tattoo to years later.

Thankfully, no cases of anaphylaxis due to tattoos have been recorded, but remain cautious as this doesn’t mean it can’t happen. 

Piercings 

Whether it’s an ear or something a bit more out there, such as a nose or eyebrow, most of us know at least one person with a piercing. And, thankfully, you can’t be inherently allergic to the act of piercing itself. But many are allergic to the materials jewellery is made of, such as nickel. 

It’s this material that will cause your problems, such as itching, redness, or skin swelling. The danger here is that affected areas will become infected, causing even more issues. So be careful what piercings you put in (and watch out as this goes for other jewellery too!)

Hair dye

If you’re thinking of dyeing your hair, it’s essential you do a patch test first. Many hair dyes contain chemicals that can lead to allergic reactions. Symptoms of a hair dye allergy include rashes, feeling faint, swollen eyelids, wheezing, and even a swollen head. And in the worst cases, these reactions can be fatal, as it can cause anaphylaxis.

Body modifications are nothing new and their popularity is only growing. It’s essential to be aware of any potential allergies before taking the plunge and potentially regretting it later.

Worried you might have an allergy? Don’t wait around. Get in touch with the London Allergy and Immunology Centre. Call us today on 02031 433 449.

Three more allergies you probably haven’t heard of

12th May 2021

Three more allergies you probably haven’t heard of

Back in February, we talked about three unusual allergies you don’t see every day. We’ve all heard of people who are allergic to dogs or peanuts, but red meat? Reptiles? Money? You definitely don’t see those too often.

But they are very real allergies you can suffer from. So we thought we’d dive into three more uncommon allergies. Let’s take a look.

Bean bags

If melting into a beanbag gives you tearful eyes and a runny nose, it might be best to stick to the sofa. Most beanbags are filled with polystyrene, which can cause an allergic reaction. Okay, so why not go for one filled with dried soybeans? That’s all well and good, except they can cause allergic reactions too. If you react to soybeans in bean bags, at least you know to avoid it in your food too.

Tattoos 

Itchiness, swelling, and redness are normal after getting a tattoo. But when these problems persist or a rash develops, you could be looking at an allergy. It’s not clear yet why some people have reactions to tattoo ink, but some form of reaction isn’t uncommon. 

In a survey of 300 tattooed people in New York, 13 participants reported acute reactions, and 18 reported chronic reactions. These include itchiness, swelling, scaliness or raised skin for more than four months.

Laundry detergent

Anyone can be allergic to laundry detergent, and it can develop even after you’ve been using it for a while. The reaction it causes on the skin is called contact dermatitis. Symptoms include a red rash, tender skin, blisters, and dry cracking skin. Often, you can avoid an allergic reaction by using fragrance and dye-free detergents. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg – there are so many more unusual allergies out there you won’t have heard of. But if you think you might have an allergy, don’t wait around and get a test.

If you’re ever worried about any potential allergies, get in touch with the expert allergists at London Allergy and Immunology Centre. To find out more, call us today on 02031 433 449.