Allergy is a term that is often used incorrectly to describe all types of adverse reactions.
Sometimes it can be difficult for beauty professionals and clients to distinguish between simple irritation and an allergic reaction, since the symptoms are very similar, but the differences between suffering irritation from a substance and being allergic to that substance are significant.
Both types of adverse reactions can be problematic for both you and your clients, but learning to spot the first symptoms and knowing what to do when they appear will help you present a very professional image to your clients.
In this blog, we explain the differences between an allergic reaction and irritation, how to respond to these adverse reactions, and the strategies you can follow to prevent them from occurring.
What is an allergic reaction?
When a person suffers an allergic reaction, it means they are “sensitive” to that particular substance. Typical symptoms include: redness, swelling, edema formation, and a sensation of itching rather than burning on the skin. The time between product application and symptom onset can range from a few minutes to one or even two days. An allergic reaction can result from inhalation, ingestion or contact. The main threat of an allergic reaction with eyelash extensions is usually inhalation of the adhesive fumes near the cornea, nose, mouth and ears.What is irritation?
An irritant-type reaction occurs during or shortly after applying a product. Typical symptoms of an irritant reaction include: skin redness limited to the area where the product was applied, and sensations of burning rather than itching. These reactions generally disappear shortly after discontinuing use of the product causing the problem. One of the reactions of this type that can occur in this kind of service is contact dermatitis: this is a spot of skin irritation caused by direct contact with one of the products used in the treatment, usually the patches, which cause a rash right at the contact area.How to prevent an adverse reaction?
The first thing to keep in mind is that clients at higher risk of a genuine allergic reaction will be prone to allergies and will most likely also suffer from allergies to pollen, pets, foods like nuts and shellfish, and certain plants. That's why it's very important, when filling out the client's file, to note down any known allergies they may have, as well as any autoimmune conditions, which will help us stay prepared. However, even with a regular client who has never had allergy issues, we shouldn't completely rule out an allergic reaction, because sometimes it occurs due to a build-up from repeated exposure to the allergen — for example, the adhesive — starting mildly but potentially worsening over time. Before applying each product, it's advisable to give the client an allergy test or other assessment (questionnaire), whether it's a new client or a regular one. For example, a lash patch test is essential to prevent any severe allergic reaction. Placing around 5 lashes on each eye and observing for any reactions will minimize the risk. These types of reactions are rare, but as responsible beauty professionals, we want to avoid them happening in any case.What to do if there's irritation
In the case of irritation, there are several guidelines worth following to prevent it from occurring:- Make sure the patches are placed about 2mm from the lower eyelid so they don't touch or scratch the eye.
- Make sure the eye is completely closed during the procedure.
- Keep the adhesive away from the client's nostrils, as well as their ears and mouth.
- Obviously avoid letting products come into contact with the inside of the eyes and eyelids.
- Make sure the client doesn't touch or scratch their eyes.
