Allergy in the face – What is behind it?

Definition – What is facial allergy?

An allergy is basically an exuberant reaction of the immune system to foreign substances: This results in the release of various substances that cause symptoms such as skin rash, burning and itching. One speaks of an allergy in the face when such symptoms are observed in the face. The reason for this is usually direct contact with the allergen, i.e. the substance to which the body is allergic. This includes cosmetics that are applied to the face. Food intolerances can also manifest themselves on the face.

Causes of allergy in the face

The causes and mechanisms of allergies are not yet fully understood, but there are two models that can explain some of the processes. On the one hand, it is certain that there may be a genetic component in allergies. For example, children of allergy sufferers are significantly more likely to be allergy sufferers compared to other people.

The susceptibility to different allergies is therefore hereditary. Another theory says that exposure to foreign substances plays a major role. Ideally, those who are exposed to many potentially allergenic substances in childhood should get their body used to these substances early on.

The immune system does not perceive them as a danger and hardly any allergies develop. On the other hand, if you grow up in a very clean and hygienic environment, you have little contact with such substances, which is why the immune system reacts more strongly to later contact. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that people living in the countryside are much less likely to develop allergies than city dwellers.

The causes of allergies that present themselves on the face are usually contact allergens. For example, cosmetic products that come into direct contact with the skin on the face and cause the release of the substance histamine. Histamine plays a decisive role in alerting the immune system.

Food products also frequently cause allergies in the face. By ingesting the food with the mouth, the contact takes place in the immediate vicinity of the face. Signs are then often a rash around the mouth and swollen lips.

Cosmetics usually contain many different substances. Among them are often highly allergenic ingredients that trigger allergies in many people. Direct contact with the skin leads to a rapid immune response, which is caused by the release of the substance histamine.

This leads to itching, redness and swelling of the contact points. Small painful or itchy blisters can also develop. Especially cheap cosmetics cause allergies.

Black make-up utensils are also often the cause of allergic reactions. The black colour is a mixture of many ingredients, so that allergy-prone people find many allergens to which they can react. Stress in itself does not trigger an allergic reaction.

So you cannot be allergic to increased stress. However, stress throws our immune system out of balance and thus promotes allergic reactions to various substances. Stress also throws the body’s metabolism out of balance.

This can lead to a disruption of the skin barrier, for example, which makes it easier for allergens to penetrate the skin. This is especially important for cosmetic-induced allergies in the face. Pollen is usually inhaled through the nose and the mouth and thus causes allergic symptoms especially in the upper respiratory tract.

Due to the first contact with the pollen in the mouth and nasal mucous membrane, however, complaints in the facial area are not uncommon, an itchy skin rash is particularly common. In addition, pollen often gets into the eyes. The conjunctiva there is poorly protected against the penetration of the pollen, which can cause burning, itching and swelling of the eyes and eyelids.