If you’re considering a gel or serum containing hyaluronic acid, whether for your face or body, it’s always best to check for allergies first.
While most people don’t have an allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid, others can experience swelling and other symptoms of an allergy.
This post will help you learn what these signs are so that you know whether it’s safe for you to use products containing this ingredient!
How Do You Know if You’re Allergic to Hyaluronic Acid?
If you’re not sure what signs to look for when trying to determine if you’re allergic to hyaluronic acid, there are several things you can do to figure out what’s going on with your body:
1) Pay attention to any changes in your skin.
2) Check out your symptoms.
3) Make sure you’re not taking any medications that could be causing the problem.
4) See how much time has passed since exposure and compare it to other allergens. (like pollen)
5) Look for hives or rashes around exposed areas.
6) Ask your doctor about allergy testing.
What are the symptoms of a hyaluronic acid allergy?
If you have an allergy to hyaluronic acid, you may experience symptoms like itching or swelling of the skin, hives, and other skin rashes.
You could also experience swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
If your allergies are severe enough to cause anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction—symptoms include shortness of breath that can progress from wheezing or coughing to trouble breathing completely.
Can You Be Allergic to Hyaluronic Acid?
Not having an allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid doesn’t mean you can’t be allergic to it.
Hyaluronate allergy is a result of the human body’s natural response to an allergen, and it can cause redness, itching, swelling and other uncomfortable symptoms.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), anyone may experience these symptoms after coming into contact with hyaluronate.
However, some people who are allergic to this compound may not have immediate reactions when they come into contact with it; they may only begin feeling symptoms hours or days later.
How to test for a hyaluronic acid allergy
If you suspect that you might be allergic to hyaluronic acid, the first step is to see a doctor.
Your physician will likely recommend allergy testing before prescribing a treatment plan.
Allergy tests are not always accurate and can be expensive, but they are typically available in most areas and for most types of allergies.
1. Skin prick test
A doctor or allergist can perform a skin prick test to determine whether you’re allergic to hyaluronic acid.
This procedure involves pricking your skin with diluted hyaluronic acid, which causes an itchy, red bump to form if you are allergic.
You may also be given placebos that don’t contain hyaluronic acid as a control measure in case your reaction is caused by something else in the solution (like saline).
2. Blood test
A blood test measures antibodies that fight against foreign substances like pollen or viruses in your immune system called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
The presence of these specific types of IgE antibodies indicates an allergic reaction has occurred previously and could happen again in response to other substances that cross-react with those antibodies (such as vitamins C and E).
If the results show low levels of IgE antibodies with high levels of histamine-like immunoglobulins (IgH), then this could mean you’re experiencing allergies without having any symptoms at all–so talk to your doctor about what this means for you!
3. Skin patch test
In this method, a small amount of diluted solution containing hyaluronic acid will be placed under your skin for about 24 hours so that over time it absorbs into your body and causes an allergic reaction.
If there’s been any at all!–which may include swelling around where the patch was placed on top
How Many People Are Allergic to Hyaluronic Acid?
It’s not clear how many people are allergic to the material.
In general, less than 1 percent of people have an allergy to any type of biologic filler, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
Some people have reported allergic reactions after having injections of hyaluronic acid fillers, but they’re generally mild and transient.
Some people may be allergic to other ingredients in the product, such as preservatives or other additives used in the manufacturing process.
In some cases, an allergy can lead to something called contact dermatitis: redness and swelling at the injection site that usually goes away within 24 hours.
If you notice these symptoms after getting a filler injection, you should contact your doctor right away so that he or she can determine if it’s an allergic reaction.
How to Treat an Allergic Reaction to Hyaluronic Acid?
If you are allergic to hyaluronic acid, your doctor may recommend some of the following treatments for an allergic reaction:
- Avoid using products that contain hyaluronic acid.
- Take an antihistamine if you’re experiencing itching or hives. These medicines can reduce symptoms by blocking histamine production in the body.
- Take prednisone to treat swelling, pain and other severe reactions like difficulty breathing or swallowing.
If you have a severe reaction and don’t receive treatment in time, it could result in death or disability.
Final Thoughts
If you think you may be allergic to hyaluronic acid, talk to your doctor about testing for an allergy.
Allergic reactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not properly treated.
If you’re not sure whether or not you have an allergy, get tested anyway—your doctor will help you figure out what the best treatment option is.
