Deodorant allergy is an inflammatory reaction of armpit skin, which can cause symptoms such as intense itching, blisters, red patches, redness or burning sensation.
Although some fabrics, especially synthetics such as lycra, polyester or nylon, can also cause armpit allergy, in most cases, this irritation arises due to the deodorant used. This allergy happens because some deodorants may contain more irritating substances, such as perfumes, which can lead the body to develop an inflammatory response. See other causes of skin allergy.
Thus, when the first symptoms of allergy appear, the most recommended is to wash the armpits with abundant water and soap of neutral pH, to avoid the aggravation of the reaction, passing then a little soothing cream, with aloe, for example, to hydrate and soothe the skin.
Possible allergy symptoms
In case of allergy to deodorant usually one of the first symptoms that arises is the burning sensation and irritated skin, however, other symptoms include:
- Red blisters or patches on the skin;
- Carock in the armpit;
- Very intense itching;
- Redness.
In some cases, when the deodorant is not removed immediately, peeling, blistering or even burning may occur in the armpit.
In people with more sensitivity, there may even be other more severe allergy symptoms, such as swelling of the face, eyes or tongue, feeling of something trapped in the throat, or difficulty in breathing. In these cases, it is advised to go to the hospital immediately to take an antihistamine and a corticosteroid directly into the vein, avoiding serious complications such as respiratory arrest.
Also check that other problems can cause red spots on the skin.
What to do in case of allergy
When symptoms of allergy to deodorant arise, it is important to take action quickly, requiring:
- Wash the underarms with abundant water and soap with neutral pH, in order to remove all deodorant applied;
- Putting on the skin hypoallergenic or calming products, such as creams or lotions with aloe, chamomile or lavender, for example, soothe and moisturize the skin;
- Apply cold water compresses over the armpits, to reduce the symptoms of irritation and burning sensation.
After washing and moisturizing the skin, it is expected that after 2 hours the symptoms completely disappear, if this does not happen or if the symptoms worsen, it is recommended that the dermatologist should be consulted as soon as possible.
In addition, if symptoms develop for difficulty in breathing or feeling of something stuck in the throat, it is recommended to go to the hospital or emergency room quickly, as these are signs of an anaphylactic reaction, an allergy situation that needs urgent treatment.
How is the treatment done?
Treatment of allergy to deodorant depends on the symptoms, and may involve the use of antihistamines like Loratadine or Allegra, or corticoids, such as Betamethasone. These remedies alleviate and treat the symptoms of allergy and should be prescribed by the dermatologist.
In cases where there is too much redness or itching in the armpits, ointments with antihistaminic properties may also be recommended, which help in relieving these symptoms.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of allergy to deodorant can be made by the dermatologist by observing the symptoms that arise in the armpits after the application of the product. After this first examination, the doctor may ask for an allergy test to confirm the diagnosis and identify the component that is causing the allergy. Learn how allergy testing is done.
Thus, in some cases it becomes possible to choose deodorants that do not contain compounds causing allergy, thus avoiding the appearance of this type of reactions.
To avoid allergy to deodorant, it is important to always test the deodorant in a small area of the armpit, letting it act for a few hours, in order to check whether or not there is an unwanted reaction.
