Taking vitamin E should not cause a skin reaction. If it does, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction. states that an allergic reaction to vitamin E can cause hives, which is a common symptom of anaphylactic shock, a rare but life-threatening medical condition. Taking too much of vitamin E can lead to serious complications. Most healthy people consume vitamin E in fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs and vegetable oil. Call your doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash after taking a vitamin E supplement. A skin reaction after taking vitamin E is the result of increased levels of histamine in the skin. Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that helps to protect it from infection and disease. Too much histamine causes irritation and inflammation in the skin, leading to common skin rashes. The body doesn’t recognize the vitamin E and begins to defend itself with IgE antibodies, according to MedlinePlus. These antibodies cause mast cells to produce histamine.
An allergy to vitamin E can cause an outbreak of hives, dermatitis or a general itching and swelling of the skin. The mouth may become itchy or develop a tingling sensation. Dermatitis is a general term for eczema, a blister-like rash that is extremely itchy. Eczema forms patches of skin that are blistered, leathery and scaly. Severe cases of eczema can leave permanent scaring. Hives are welts that form in clusters that are reddish in color and are considered harmless, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). If you develop a skin reaction after taking vitamin E supplements, your doctor may refer you to an allergist. An allergist will perform different tests to determine if you are allergic to the substance. Skin prick tests and blood test may be performed to observe the skin and blood for signs of an allergy, according to AAAAI. If you are diagnosed with an allergy to vitamin E, your doctor will recommend that you avoid consuming the supplement.
She may also recommend modifying your diet. MedlinePllus states that common allergy symptoms may be treated with an oral antihistamine or a topical steroid cream for skin rashes. If these over-the-counter drugs do not work, talk to your doctor about other approaches.Common symptoms of anaphylaxis are hives, wheezing, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, rapid pulse and anxiety. Call 911 if these symptoms develop. How to Get Rid of an Allergic Reaction Rash Does Rubbing Vitamin E on the Face Help Wrinkles? Can Too Much Vitamin C Cause Hives or a Rash? Does Vitamin E Skin Oil Have Side Effects? Homemade Vitamin E Oil Lotion Severe Stress-Induced Allergic Reactions What Are the Benefits of Using Vitamin E on the Face? Allergy Caused by Vitamin E Oil Are There Any Benefits of Vitamin E for Skin Rashes? Allergic Reactions to Excessive Vitamin C How to Apply Vitamin E From Capsules Directly to the Skin Allergic Reaction to Dry Cleaning Solutions
Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin Allergy Can You Improve Skin Tone With Vitamin E Oil? Vitamins That Cause Skin Irritations Body Reactions to Vitamins Can Vitamins Cause Hives? Does Vitamin B Complex Cause Severe Hives?You've probably heard your doctor discuss the health benefits of taking vitamin E, which include boosting your immune system, preventing stroke-induced brain damage and protecting against certain cancers. But vitamin E oil can also work wonders when it comes to your hair, skin and nails. (Just take a look at this girl's smooth alabaster complexion). However, it isn't as simple as buying a face cream labeled with the powerful ingredient. Skincare specialists praise vitamin E oil for its beauty benefits, but they do so with caution. "Vitamin E is always a tricky ingredient to use," says celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas. "It's an awesome antioxidant, but it's heavy, so if you are prone to break outs, it could make you break out more. Vitamin E has always been used in skincare, but I think the purity of it has changed."
Dr. Stafford R. Broumand, a New York City-based cosmetic and plastic surgeon, echoes the evolution of the super vitamin, explaining, "Vitamin E exists in eight chemical forms (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta- tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta –tocotrienol). Tocopherol is the only form that is recognized to meet human requirements. However, most Vitamin E oils do not contain all eight forms and some have soy." According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, our society's growing obsession with oils is rooted in the belief that a "natural" product is the cure-all for dry skin, eczema, etc. "The fact is that the oil may be moisturizing to help the condition, but the vitamin E part of it is unnecessary... and can sometimes cause an allergy," she says. So how can we get the most out of vitamin E oil without causing more harm than good to our bodies? Apply it at night. "The oil can be thick and greasy, so it's best used before bedtime, possibly in place of a night cream or moisturizer," says Dr. Broumand.
Combine it with vitamin C. "It has been shown that when combining vitamin E with vitamin C, it can act as a natural form of sun protection," explains Dr. Broumand. "Vitamin E oil works to block free radicals from the body, which play a large part in the aging process. If we can fight off free radicals, then we can reduce wrinkles and keep the skin youthful-looking." Vargas adds, "It has basic antioxidant properties that everyone needs. It is unavoidable that we are all suffering from environmental stress. [Vitamin E oil] protects the skin against cell mutation in the sun and pollution. It's also an anti-inflammatory, so it calms and hydrates sensitive skin." Swap it in place of skin-brightening creams. "Free radicals can also prevent the healing of scars, so applying vitamin E oil will help to repair and improve the appearance of the damaged tissue," says Dr. Broumand. Use it to target excessive dryness. "There have been some studies to show that vitamin E oil may increase circulation to the scalp," says Dr. Broumand.