Paraben Allergy

Hypersensitivity type may be- Type IV Allergy
Immune reactions may be from- T Cells
Reactions may occur in- Over 24 Hours

An abbreviation for para-hydroxybenzoic acid, parabens were initially used as antifungal and antibacterial agents in the 1920s. And as a result of their fungicidal and bactericidal properties, overtime Parabens are now the most commonly used preservatives in topical pharmaceutical preparations, cosmetics, skin care products and more (scroll below to see the some common products it can be found in). 

Each product may contain different types of parabens, such methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben, propylparabens and methylparabens, with other preservatives, which is to protect the product from a variety of microorganisms.

Although parabens are considered non-toxic and pose no immediate danger for a lot of people, they can mix with the cells in the bodies of those with a Paraben allergy and cause a reaction. They may also act like estrogen preventing normal hormone function.

SYMPTOMS

Some of the symptoms may be characterised by:

• Rashes
• Swollen Eyes
• Burning
• Itching
• Stinging
• Soreness
• Pain
• Contact Dermatitis

The validity and severity of these symptoms are dependent on the individual and the level of exposure, as determined by a qualified health care provider.

TREATMENT

If you experience or are in the presence of someone that encounters an immediate serious reaction (this may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightening, swelling, collapse, etc), call or have someone call triple zero (000) immediately.

In the case of a minor allergic reaction, people may use Antihistamines along with other medications based on their individual symptoms and prescribed treatments.

For severe allergic reactions Epinephrine may be used, followed by seeking emergency medical attention. However, some people may not be able to use Epinephrine due to particular reasons.

It’s important for anyone with an Allergy, to discuss treatments with a qualified health care provider to understand how to manage individual allergies and also to set up an Allergy Action Plan in the case of a reaction.

Always present your Allergy Card, Medical Alert Bracelet or Necklace to ensure health care providers, family members, friends, colleagues and others are aware of your Allergy or Allergies.

TESTING

A patch test may be used to test for a Paraben Allergy.

LABELLING

Some labels or terms you may come across on Paraben Allergy friendly products:

"Paraben Free" "Hypoallergenic"

RANDOM PARABEN FACT

Parabéns means 'congratulations' in Portuguese. So if you happen to be in Portugal on a holiday and happen to be looking for Paraben free products, make sure you take that extra level of precaution when explaining what you're looking for. 

WHERE YOU MAY COME ACROSS PARABENS 

The below is not a complete list, but just some of the places, you may come across Parabens:

• Antiperspirants
• Baked goods
• Bandages
• Bronzes
• Candies
• Concealers
• Conditioners
• Cosmetics
• Dentifrices
• Deodorants
• Eye liners
• Eye shadows
• Eye, ear and nose drops
• Facial cleansers
• Facial makeup (blushes)
• Facial products
• Food products
• Foundations
• Frozen dairy products
• Fruit juices
• Jams
• Jellies
• Lipstick
• Local anaesthetics
• Lotions
• Makeup removers
• Marinated fish products
• Mascara
• Mayonnaise
• Moisturising creams
• Moisturising lotions
• Mustard
• Pharmaceutical/self-hygiene products
• Powders
• Processed vegetables
• Quick-dry nail products
• Rectal medications
• Salad dressings
• Scrubs
• Shampoos
• Shower Cleansers
• Soaps
• Soft drinks
• Spiced sauces
• Sunscreens
• Toothpastes
• Vaginal medications
• Topical dermatological medications

The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.

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ARE THERE ANY OTHER PRODUCTS YOU HAVE COME ACROSS WITH PARABENS? HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH A PARABEN ALLERGY OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW