Experts Advise Caution in Selecting Skin Products to Manage Allergies

In an eye-opening webinar hosted by SYNLAB Nigeria, experts from the medical field have urged individuals, especially parents, to exercise greater caution when selecting skin products. The session, part of SYNLAB Nigeria’s ongoing webinar series, titled “Living with Allergies: Strategies for Managing Allergies in Families”, brought to light the hidden dangers of everyday skincare products and the rising prevalence of allergies worldwide. As the event unravelled, key insights and recommendations were shared by prominent medical professionals, setting the stage for more informed decisions regarding skin health.

The Hidden Dangers of Skin Products

Dr Viola Ikebudu, a Consultant Dermatologist, highlighted a concerning trend in the beauty and skincare industry. She noted that an increasing number of fragrances, cosmetics, and organic creams contain substances that could trigger immune responses, leading to allergic reactions. “The skin is the largest organ of the body,” Dr. Ikebudu emphasized, “and anything applied to it has the potential to permeate into other parts of the body.” She urged participants to be vigilant about what they apply on their skin, pointing out that what seems harmless on the surface could have significant consequences for overall health.

Choosing the Right Products for Children

The conversation took a crucial turn as Dr Ayodele Renner, a Consultant Paediatrician, advised parents on the importance of selecting appropriate skin products for their children. He underscored that products containing mild or no fragrance are generally safer for children’s sensitive skin. Fragrance, he mentioned, is a common allergen, and its presence in skincare products could predispose children to allergic symptoms. Dr. Renner urged parents to prioritize their children’s unique skin types over popular recommendations, advising that any unusual dryness or reaction should prompt a consultation with a physician.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Allergies

During the webinar, the speakers identified a range of symptoms associated with allergies, including loss of consciousness, swelling of the lips and tongue, dizziness, fainting, redness, itching, hives, watery and red eyes, shortness of breath, wheezing, tummy pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. They strongly recommended that anyone experiencing these symptoms seek medical attention to determine whether they have an allergy and to identify the specific allergens involved.

Staggering Statistics on Allergies

Dr. Renner also shared alarming statistics on the prevalence of allergies globally. According to the data presented, approximately one in eight children suffer from asthma, one in thirteen have eczema, and one in eight experience allergic rhinitis. The global impact of allergies is staggering, with reports indicating that between 10-30% of the world’s population is dealing with some form of allergy. Moreover, women are more likely to develop allergies than men, and urban dwellers are more affected than those in rural areas.

SYNLAB Nigeria’s Commitment to Health Education

This webinar, the second in SYNLAB Nigeria’s 2024 series, is a testament to the organization’s commitment to health education and advocacy. With hundreds of participants every quarter, SYNLAB Nigeria’s webinars have become a trusted platform for delivering critical health information to the public.

Conclusion

As allergies continue to rise globally, individuals need to make informed decisions about the products they use, particularly on their skin. SYNLAB Nigeria’s webinar serves as a crucial reminder that what we apply to our bodies can have far-reaching effects on our health. The advice from experts like Dr Ikebudu and Dr Renner is invaluable for anyone looking to protect themselves and their families from the hidden dangers of allergens in everyday skincare products.