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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Allergy Because Of A Hair Conditioner. No Medication Till Now. What To Do?

Hi, I have been living with a major anxiety for some time now. I recently developed an irrational fear of anaphylaxis. Everything started when I bought a new hair conditioner and decided to try it, some tingling started I panicked and started to think that I may develop a severe allergic reaction (I heard of Hair dye allergies before). However, nothing happened, the tingling sensations stopped long before I washed it of. Sadly, these thoughts haven't left my head... So, I decided to search for information on the subject, when, why it happens, who tend to suffer from it... As they say we fear of the unknown... It didn't help me at all, it worsened my fears because I learnt that it can happen to anyone, anytime and anything can cause it... I'm afraid to eat everything and even more afraid to take Xanax to relief the symptoms. What should I do before meeting with a therapist? How can I help myself? Maybe there are some facts that could help me to understand it and stop the panic? By the way, I have never expierenced a severe allergic reaction, never had allergies but I tend to get hives if I scratch my skin.
Sat, 18 May 2013
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Allergist and Immunologist,  's  Response
Hello,
The hives you get when you scratch your skin is called dermographism, and is a common condition. Having dermographism does NOT mean you will develop analphylaxis if you get an allergic reaction to (say) a colouring agent; or you are at high risk of anaphylaxis.

There are few options available to you:
1. See an Allergist for a Patch Test against the Standard Battery or Cosmetics. This involves a small amount of chemical being attached to the skin (usually at the back) for 48 hours, and see if you have any delayed hypersensitivities.
This should lessen your fears and you will know if you are already sensitized to common chemicals.
2. If you have had anaphylaxis in the past, you can get a blood test called mast cell tryptase (MCT) levels. If the levels are high, you are (theoretically) at high chance of developing severe allergic reactions to (say) insect stings etc.
That you have never developed a severe allergic reaction, the MCT levels will likely be normal (baseline values).

I hope that was useful.
Best Wishes.
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Have Allergy Because Of A Hair Conditioner. No Medication Till Now. What To Do?

Hello, The hives you get when you scratch your skin is called dermographism, and is a common condition. Having dermographism does NOT mean you will develop analphylaxis if you get an allergic reaction to (say) a colouring agent; or you are at high risk of anaphylaxis. There are few options available to you: 1. See an Allergist for a Patch Test against the Standard Battery or Cosmetics. This involves a small amount of chemical being attached to the skin (usually at the back) for 48 hours, and see if you have any delayed hypersensitivities. This should lessen your fears and you will know if you are already sensitized to common chemicals. 2. If you have had anaphylaxis in the past, you can get a blood test called mast cell tryptase (MCT) levels. If the levels are high, you are (theoretically) at high chance of developing severe allergic reactions to (say) insect stings etc. That you have never developed a severe allergic reaction, the MCT levels will likely be normal (baseline values). I hope that was useful. Best Wishes.