Is it possible to be allergic to lube

Connubial or consort allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the agent causing dermatitis has not been used by the patient but by his partner or other cohabitants or proxy. Most cases are due to fragrances, cosmetics, or topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Propylene glycol is used as a vehicle for cosmetics, body lotions, antiperspirants, and topical medicines.

Ingested antigens may pass into seminal fluid and rarely produce a hypersensitivity reaction in the sexual partner. A woman who was allergic to walnuts developed anaphylaxis following intercourse with her husband, who had eaten walnuts before coitus.

Walnut protein was subsequently detected in his seminal fluid. Patch testing showed her sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide. Eczema subsided when partner changed to topical antibiotic cream.

A similar case of consort dermatitis affecting neck and chest caused by oak moss present in a partner's aftershave has also been described. Use of inhaled nitrites poppers by MSM has been associated with facial dermatitis. Rubber-sensitive women may acquire vulvitis, vaginitis from contraceptive rubber diaphragms.

Male-rubber sensitive partners may acquire balanitis from contact with such diaphragms. Irrritant ammoniacal dermatitis is to be considered in incontinent patients with genital soreness. This is due to resin used to wax the strings of musical instruments. Genital hypersensitivity to Candida has been implicated in some cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis VVC and anti- Candida IgE antibodies are often present in the vaginal secretions of women with recurrent VVC.

Forman has observed several cases of balanitis and balanoposthitis, caused by an allergic reaction to Candida. Ethylenediamine, framycetin, neomycin, clobetasol propionate, and crotamiton, topical anesthetics, clindamycin, and acyclovir have also been reported as causes of hypersensitivity reaction. Contact dermatitis is to be considered if there is worsening of vulval symptoms, which may be due to the steroid preparation itself, the vehicle, or additives.

Miconazole, econazole, and tioconazole are uncommon causes of contact sensitivity. Feminine hygiene sprays consist of perfume, emollient, and a propellant. Irritant reactions can occur from fluorinated hydrocarbon propellants sprayed too close to the genitals.

This is more likely to occur if there is existent skin damage secondary to candidiasis or dermatitis. Prolonged immersion in baths containing perfumes may induce an irritant vulvitis, particularly in children [ Figure 2 ]. Nail polish is a rare cause of hypersensitivity, especially if the vulval skin is touched before polish is dry. Fragrance and disinfecting agent in the pad Copper II acetylacetonate and acetylacetonate may produce contact dermatitis.

Sensitivity to cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamic aldehyde perfume in deodorant sanitary napkin has also been reported. Douches containing acid or alkali that are not properly diluted may produce irritant vulvitis. The main acid irritants are alum, citric acid, and lactic acid. Alkalis such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium borate in high concentrations may produce vulvitis. Objects such as pins, fasteners, zippers, and clasps on sanitary napkins can produce vulvitis in nickel-sensitive persons.

Dyes and synthetic resins in under-clothing can produce dermatitis in sensitized women. Wearing of close-fitting undergarments, such as pantyhose, panty girdles, and tight sanitary napkins may produce vulvar irritation. A case has been reported wherein a man developed redness and edema of scrotum, sparing the thighs and inguinal region.

Patch testing showed he was allergic to disperse orange 3, paraphenylenediamine, and para-aminoazobenzene. When he followed the advice to wear white cotton underwear, his condition dramatically improved. Genital pruritus may be associated with specific skin lesions of dermatoses such as eczema, lichen sclerosus, or others.

Acute anogenital pruritus is usually caused by infections or contact dermatitis. Besides pruritus, other sensations such as burning, stinging, heat sensations, and pain may occur. Patients with pruritus vulvae and lichen sclerosus are at high risk of contact sensitivity. Lewis et al. They were patch tested for preservatives, perfumes, local anesthetics, medicaments, and a vulval battery. It was found that patients who had a relevant allergy were much more likely to improve than those whose tests were negative.

The glans penis and prepuce may acquire contact dermatitis from medicaments used by a sexual partner. After intercourse, cleansing the genital area with strong detergents may produce severe irritant dermatitis and even superficial erosions. Poison ivy may cause severe balanitis and marked swelling of the foreskin and urinary retention. Sensitizing topical applications for dermatoses such as psoriasis and lichen planus may produce a superimposed contact balanitis.

A history of contact with possible allergens should be taken. The relation between the onset of symptoms and intercourse may provide useful clues. In cases of seminal fluid hypersensitivity, the use of condoms will prevent symptoms and thus may be used as a diagnostic test.

Positive prick skin test to whole seminal fluid or fractionated seminal plasma proteins are also diagnostic methods for seminal fluid hypersensitivity. The rare condition also causes flu-like symptoms to start immediately after you have, ahem, finished.

You may also experience hives, swelling, chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, diarrhea and loss of consciousness. According to a recent Tulane University study , POIS was first documented in and there have been more than 50 cases recorded worldwide — but it could be even higher if men have not heard of the condition before. Latex is one of the main materials used in condoms, but unfortunately, many people are allergic to it. It is also used in some sex toys, so having this allergy can cause quite a bit of trouble in the bedroom.

The easiest way to determine if you have a latex allergy is if you have a reaction every time you have sex with a condom or any other product that contains latex, like dams and toys. But there are other ingredients in condoms and other contraceptives that can cause a bad reaction too. Materials like casein, the dry-dusting powder that makes them less sticky, and the parabens which are used to stop bacteria growth.

Fortunately, there are non-latex condoms you can buy, so you can still enjoy sex while being safe. Other possible irritants include pain reducers benzocaine and lidocaine, L-Arginine to boost arousal, preservative nitrosamines or nonoxynol-9 to kill sperm. If you think you have a lube allergy, stop using the lube to see if the symptoms go away. Does silicone irritate skin? Silicone can cause breakouts, irritations, and acne: Silicone is hard to get off and can build up on your skin, leading to acne.

It can especially cause irritations for people who have sensitive skin and cause your skin to become even more sensitive. What are the symptoms of silicone toxicity? Some common symptoms linked to these conditions include: anemia. Can you be allergic to silicone ear plugs? Silicone earplugs are much harder and contain colorants. Because of this silicone earplugs may cause allergic reactions.

Which is better rubber or silicone? Silicone also has significantly better flame resistance than natural rubber. For high temperature applications, silicone is certainly the better choice. Natural rubber exhibits much higher tensile strength, tear strength and abrasion resistance than silicone. How long does it take for allergic reaction to go away?

You usually don't get a reaction right away. It can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 days. Typically, it takes from 12 hours to 3 days. Womp womp. It's frustrating, purchasing a product with the intention of improving your physical well-being which it does for many people , only to find yourself sabotaged and your genitals thrown into an irritated tailspin.

I would like to blame the latter camp, but as a person whose skin rashily reacts to common ingredients buried in beauty products, I suspect a secret allergen dwelling in this particular lube duo. But is it even possible to be allergic to lube , when there exist so many separate subsets and recipes? But, she noted, lubes with a lot of bells and whistles — think: warming agents, simulated effervescence, flavors — may be more likely to cause a reaction.

Again, it's probable that a person who experiences burning, redness, itching, pain, or swelling on contact with a lubricant isn't allergic to the product as a whole, but rather, sensitive to one or some of its ingredients.