Silicone allergy is extremely rare. Most cases of silicone allergies are caused by products which are not 100% silicone. Latex present in the product can also trigger allergy. Silicone is used in many products — most popularly in breast implants. However, it is also used in household products such as polishes, hand lotions, soaps, processed food, and chewing gum. And the number of cases of silicone allergy is very less.
We are exposed to silicone in our everyday life. Even injection needles are coated with silicone for its easy passage into the skin. So if you worried about getting your implants because of possible silicone allergy, it is less likely to happen.
Possible Factors which can Cause Silicone Allergy
The additives used in silicone can cause allergy. Ear buds and face masks can have latex or other materials along with silicone. So, you might be mistaking your latex allergy for silicone allergy. If you suspect silicone allergy, switch to a 100% silicone product and see the results.
Testing for Silicone Allergy
If you suspect silicone allergy, do consult a board certified allergist. He/she can conduct a skin prick test to check if you have an allergy. This test involves placing small amount of silicone on the skin. If you are allergic, you will experience a bump or a weal at the location.
Preventing Silicone Allergy
As silicone allergy is rare, make sure you try pure silicone products before deciding that you are allergic to silicone. If you are worried about possible silicone allergy or worried about getting breast implants, speak to a board certified allergist about taking allergy tests.
Silicone Allergy and Breast Implants
If you are about to have silicone breast implants and worried that you may have silicone allergy, this piece of information is for you. Silicone is an inert substance and is not known to cause allergies. Also, FDA studies have proved that breast implants do not lead to autoimmune disorders.
More than 40 years of research has been done on breast implants. And, the findings prove that silicone does not cause allergies or diseases. Since silicone is an inert substance, even testing may not be necessary.
The needles used for injections or intravenous lines are coated with silicone (to pass easily though the skin). So, if you have had an injection or IV previously, then you can take that as your allergy test.
