If you avoid the substance causing the reaction, the rash often clears up in 2 to 4 weeks.
Although the immediate allergic reaction to the chemical will resolve within a few weeks, the propensity to react on re-exposure always exists.
Your health care provider may give you a list of products that typically contain the substance that affects you. Also ask for a list of products that are free of the substance that affects you. Apply an anti-itch cream or ointment. Put on the itchy area 1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment (Cortizone 10, others).
Most visible skin irritation disappears within 48 hours of having the reaction, but as everyone is different it can sometimes last longer. The notion of healing irritated skin from further irritation may include repairing you skin barrier and making sure you abstain from common skin irritants.
The most common makeup allergy is often linked to fragrances and preservatives used in cosmetics. Specifically, chemicals like parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are frequent culprits. Allergic reactions may include redness, swelling, itching, and hives, often occurring where the product was applied.
Treatment — Allergic contact dermatitis usually resolves within two to four weeks after the allergen is eliminated, although it can take more time in some cases. Several measures can minimize symptoms during this time and help to control symptoms in people who have chronic allergic contact dermatitis.
If your skin is inflamed, applying a cool compress can help reduce redness and soothe itching and burning sensations. Take an antihistamine to help reduce redness and itching caused by an allergic reaction. Use a topical corticosteroid to reduce skin inflammation and redness as it suppresses the immune response.
In other words, when you use certain products, your skin is likely to look worse before it looks better. A purge can look like blackheads and whiteheads, and it's likely to appear in the places where you normally break out.
The rash can last for a few days to a couple of weeks. It generally goes away quickly if you identify what caused your reaction and stay away if you can avoid that irritant or allergen.
“Purging usually follows a predictable duration, typically anywhere from four to six weeks,” Dr. Thiede said. Since purging occurs because your skin is adjusting to a new product, it shouldn't last longer than how long it takes for your skin to renew itself (about 28 days for most people).
Atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are two common types of eczema that are often confused. While they are both inflammatory skin conditions that share similar symptoms, their causes are different. Atopic dermatitis is an internal skin condition, whereas contact dermatitis results from external factors.
If bacteria get into an open container or onto a brush, they can multiply rapidly and cause breakouts or other infections. Mold is another common issue with old cosmetics because moisture builds up inside containers over time, leading to mold growth. This mold growth can trigger breakouts or other irritations.
Purging tends to focus on the areas where you usually breakout, while irritated skin will break out in areas you are not usually prone to getting spots.
How to treat skin purging. “If the skin barrier is compromised when you see purging then start ingredients which help with barrier repair, such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a non-comedogenic formulation. If you are using a treatment or product continue with a slower approach.”
Vitamin C can increase oil production, leading to a flare-up. Acne usually occurs when first-time users apply the wrong concentration or use the wrong formulation. People with skin issues or acne-prone skin should use a lower concentration and gradually increase it.
Apply an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream or take an oral antihistamine—like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin)—to help manage itchiness, following the directions on the package. Avoid scratching the area, which can make the rash worse and open the skin up to infection.
Acute inflammation - An acute skin inflammation generally lasts from around a few hours to a few weeks. Usually, acute inflammation resolves within six weeks. This type of inflammation does not leave permanent tissue damage. Acne, sunburns, blisters, hives, or allergic reactions are forms of acute inflammation.
Treatment of atopic dermatitis may start with regular moisturizing and other self-care habits. If these don't help, your health care provider might suggest medicated creams that control itching and help repair skin. These are sometimes combined with other treatments.
Mild cases may resolve within a couple of weeks, while more severe or persistent cases may last for a few weeks or even months. Factors like the specific irritant, the affected area of skin, and the individual's overall health and immune response influence how long contact dermatitis lasts.
The first step to treating an allergic reaction to a cosmetic is to stop using the product immediately. This alone may stop the reaction, but other medications like hydrocortisone cream may also help in easing the inflammation. If the reaction is extreme, your allergist may need to prescribe a special cream.