Formaldehyde allergy causes adverse reactions when exposed to the chemical, which is commonly used in various products. Symptoms include rashes, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Patients can limit exposure by replacing formaldehyde-containing products with formaldehyde-free alternatives. However, it is impossible to eliminate exposure entirely.
A formaldehyde allergy is an allergy to formaldehyde, a chemical used in a wide variety of products, from lipstick to particle board. People with formaldehyde allergies experience adverse reactions when exposed to formaldehyde, and these reactions can worsen over time. Treating a formaldehyde allergy is difficult, because the chemical is so commonly used, making it difficult for patients to avoid it.
Individuals with a formaldehyde allergy can experience contact dermatitis from formaldehyde exposure, resulting in rashes, hives, and red, itchy skin. Inhaling formaldehyde fumes or formaldehyde particles can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, headache, and dizziness. These reactions occur because the body’s immune system identifies formaldehyde as something harmful and goes into overdrive trying to fight it when it enters or comes into contact with the body.
Many things can cause allergies, making it important to do proper diagnostic testing before assuming someone has an allergy. An allergy specialist can conduct a test to determine whether or not someone is allergic to formaldehyde and to check for reactions to other common allergens. Once an allergy has been confirmed as a formaldehyde allergy, the patient can take steps to address it. It is a good idea to obtain publications such as brochures that discuss allergies, so that the patient can leave material for employers, friends and family to review so they can more fully understand the patient’s situation.
Formaldehyde is used in fabrics, building materials, paints, cosmetics, detergents and many other products. Patients may need to replace a number of things in their homes to limit exposure to formaldehyde, opting for formaldehyde-free products. It’s especially important to get rid of formaldehyde-containing clothing, cosmetics, and other things that come into direct contact with your skin. Over time, even sources of formaldehyde exposure in the home such as engineering products and paints can be replaced with formaldehyde-free alternatives.
Patients should be aware that it is effectively impossible to eliminate exposure to formaldehyde. People can reduce the incidence of exposure by monitoring the home environment and requesting changes in the workplace, but formaldehyde is so ubiquitous that it’s hard to avoid it altogether. Patients should plan to keep a close eye on their health and speak to a doctor when they develop symptoms of exposure such as hives or difficulty breathing. Medications may be prescribed to help patients control these symptoms of a formaldehyde allergy.
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