Formaldehyde, found in many household products, can cause an allergic reaction with symptoms including skin rashes, eye and nose irritation, headaches, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure can lead to cancer or respiratory failure. Sensitization can occur through repeated exposure, and a patch test can indicate sensitivity. Avoidance and antihistamines can provide relief.
Formaldehyde is a chemical compound contained in many household products, from mascara to anti-wrinkle fabrics to shampoo. Exposure to even small amounts of formaldehyde can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. The most common symptoms of a formaldehyde allergy are eye and nose irritation, skin rashes, headaches, and difficulty breathing. Often, an allergy to formaldehyde develops after repeated exposure to small amounts of the compound. Those experiencing an allergic reaction to formaldehyde should stop exposure to the offending items or products and, in some cases, should take an antihistamine or use an inhaler.
Medical experts believe that prolonged exposure to small amounts of formaldehyde can cause cancer in some individuals, while exposure to large amounts of the compound can quickly lead to respiratory failure and even death. However, many manufacturers of housewares such as cosmetics, particleboard and non-iron fabrics use small amounts of the compound during the manufacturing process. Exposure to even small amounts of formaldehyde in such items can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
One of the most common symptoms of a formaldehyde allergy is dermatitis or inflammation, itching, swelling or burning of the skin. Those with a formaldehyde allergy also commonly experience burning and irritation of the eyes and nasal passages. An allergic reaction to this compound can also be signaled by a headache. Additionally, formaldehyde can cause breathing difficulties in allergic individuals, especially those with asthma or another respiratory condition.
Often, an allergy to formaldehyde develops gradually, through a process known as sensitization. This process involves repeated exposure to small amounts of formaldehyde. As the sensitization process progresses, the level of formaldehyde exposure that an individual can tolerate before developing an allergic reaction progressively decreases. A test called a patch test, which involves applying a patch containing a very small amount of formaldehyde to the skin and then checking to see if a reaction occurs, can help indicate whether an individual is particularly sensitive to the compound.
If an allergic reaction to formaldehyde occurs, the allergic individual may find relief by simply discontinuing his or her exposure to the substance or product causing the allergy. Of course, since many products contain formaldehyde, it can be difficult to pinpoint the instigator of the reaction. An antihistamine can help ease the discomfort of dermatitis, while those with a pre-existing respiratory condition may need to use an inhaler to treat breathing difficulty. To avoid future reactions, it can be helpful to wash all new fabrics before use and do some research to determine which manufacturers make their products without the use of formaldehyde.
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