Skin sensitivity after allergic reaction to lip balm

[Ceriane]

I had a contact allergy to a lip balm, which initially started as itching, burning, dryness and then tingling in lips, a few days later I had anaphylactic symptoms.....since then I have found that my skin has become really sensitive and I can't tolerate make-up or skin care. A similar thing happened around six months ago following a reaction to a lipstick, however after a few weeks my skin went back to normal and I was able to wear make-up again. I have been referred to dermatology and they are going to do allergy testing. Obviously I will avoid lip products forever, but will my skin settle down eventually and will I be able to wear make-up again at some point?

an allergic reaction can typically last 2-6 weeks. It can also migrate. So lingering sensitivity is not unusual.

After having allergy testing, i was able to identify products that were safe to use. There are not many, especially for lips. For me it is the ubiquitous shea butter. It is in almost all lip products and it is awful for me, despite claims that it is hypoallergenic.

One thing that works for me for chapped, sensitive lips is petroleum jelly.

Thank you. I can live quite happily without lipstick/lip balm....but want to be able to go back to using foundation, eye make-up etc.

I switched to mineral based make up like bare minerals or lily lolo

Thank you.

All cosmetics legally have to list all ingredients, so it's easy enough to check once you know the triggers.

There's likely to be very little overlap of ingredients between lip balm and anything powder based. Some with liquids, particularly anything moisturising. A lot with other balms.

Thank you. That makes a lot of sense. I have found that I am reacting to foundation and mascara since it happened.

I don't get it....the reaction was over a week ago and I am STILL tingling, my face feels like it's burning, I can't use make-up or skin care right now and I still just don't feel well....what is going on? This is SO frustrating.

When I have anaphylaxis reactions I’m hyper sensitive to even basic touch - during the reaction even pressure of being handled in hospital can make things worse. If I am touched it makes it much much worse. My A and E plan even states avoid all unnecessary touch or pressure! I can’t wash with anything even water is painful it is like the allergy is just under the surface waiting

That's interesting, and I'm sorry to hear that you go through that. Does the sensitivity go after a while and you can go back to things you can normally tolerate, and if so, how long does it take?

I've also been feeling really unwell ever since the reaction, my lips are still really dry, sore, occasionally tingly, I still can't wear make-up, I feel sick and unwell and just not myself for about 2 weeks now.

I've had that sort of lingering reaction with dietary allergen exposure - takes 4 to 6 weeks for my system to recover. But not to a skin one.

I'd recommend keeping a food, potential contact/airborne allergen, and symptom diary in case there's a second factor involved.

It typically takes 2-6 weeks for a skin allergy exposure to clear.

the pain and itching also interferes with sleep and causes constant mental distraction. This leads to fatigue and other mental health issues.

What seems like a little rash can actually end up taking over your entire life.

This is why allergy testing and treatment are so important.

That makes sense I feel really drained by it. I’m 2 weeks into the reaction so at least in another 4 it will be gone and hoping it won’t be as bad as this for those 4 weeks. In the meantime I’m scared to use any skincare or makeup in case I react to that.

Still not feeling well, really drained, heart constantly racing and I’m reacting to everything, even toothpaste.

Update: They think my immune system has become hypersensitive. I have been referred to immunology and dermatology and advised to avoid all skin care, makeup, perfumes until I they can find out what is going on. I can’t even clean my teeth. Has anyone been through anything similar?

I’m sorry to hear this @CerianeDo you know how long you will be waiting?

I haven’t had such an extreme reaction but I did end up in A&E with cellulitis after a skin reaction. They gave me antibiotics which took a while to kick in but cleared the infection.

I then had allergy testing which showed 3 main allergens. I can now mostly avoid them and only tend to need steroid creams occasionally if I accidentally use something containing an allergen.
In my case, I’m allergic to several fragrance compounds and a preservative which is used in cosmetics/household products which was why it was so tricky for me to identify triggers in the first place.

Not the same as yours but I have recently realised that I am allergic to Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste. Similar symptoms to you. I stopped using it 4 days ago and I'm almost back to normal. Had a trout pout for a while though.

thank you, it could be a couple of months, it’s really stressful

thank you, it could be a couple of months, it’s really stressful

Yes. I now have dupixent injections every 2 weeks and take 4 cetirizine a day to keep my immune system in check. Plus I follow strict protocols and have rescue meds.

there are safe toothpastes. I can’t buy any in a brick and mortar store, but thank goodness for the internet.

In the interim, baking soda is generally considered an acceptable fallback if just water is driving you crazy. it’s vile, but works.

Thank you, which toothpaste is safe?