• CDC
  • Heart Failure
  • Cardiovascular Clinical Consult
  • Adult Immunization
  • Hepatic Disease
  • Rare Disorders
  • Pediatric Immunization
  • Implementing The Topcon Ocular Telehealth Platform
  • Weight Management
  • Screening
  • Monkeypox
  • Guidelines
  • Men's Health
  • Psychiatry
  • Allergy
  • Nutrition
  • Women's Health
  • Cardiology
  • Substance Use
  • Pediatrics
  • Kidney Disease
  • Genetics
  • Complimentary & Alternative Medicine
  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Oral Medicine
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases
  • Pain
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Geriatrics
  • Infection
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Obesity
  • Rheumatology
  • Technology
  • Cancer
  • Nephrology
  • Anemia
  • Neurology
  • Pulmonology

Allergic Reaction to Ingredient in Lipstick

Article

This woman is allergic to an ingredient in her favorite lipstick.

A 72-year-old woman noted the recent appearance of swelling and itching every time she used her favorite lipstick. Over-the-counter antihistamines improved the signs and symptoms.

Key point: The patient is obviously allergic to something in the implicated lipstick. Ingredients that may induce allergic reactions include dyes (eosin, carmine), preservatives, metals (bismuth, nickel), and dye solvents (olive oil and others). Patch testing should be performed to determine the specific allergen responsible.

Treatment: Acute allergic reactions can be managed with oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroids. However, avoidance of products that contain a known allergen is the best approach.

Note: Persistent, rather than episodic, swelling of the lip(s) likely indicates the presence of one of several inflammatory forms of cheilitis. A biopsy would be indicated in this scenario.

Related Content
© 2024 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.