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?