Immune system allergic sensitization

Allergic contact dermatitis Skin condition that occurs in response to exposure to sensitizing material. It is characterized by redness, swelling and cracking and, sometimes more severe reactions involving the entire immune system. 

In the context of allergies, sensitization is the process by which a person becomes, over time, increasingly allergic to a substance (sensitizer) through repeated exposure to that substance. Allergies are inappropriate or exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances that, in the majority of people, cause no symptoms. Symptoms of the allergic diseases may be caused by exposure of the skin, the respiratory tract, or of the stomach and intestines to a protein or a chemical substance. 

Echinacea appears to be a very safe herb, producing only minor gastrointestinal (GI) side effects and an occasional allergic reaction, usually in atopic patients already sensitized to other members of the Compositae plant family. Anaphylaxis has occurred rarely. Use in HFV is discouraged because of the concern that long-term therapy may eventually suppress the immune system. 

Skin sensitization This differs from skin irritation in that, once the skin has reacted to the substance, upon subsequent exposure it will be even more sensitive. This is an example of an allergic response (see Allergy) as the immune system has reacted to produce antibodies. Upon subsequent exposure, antibodies can be rapidly released again. Essential oils used by aromatherapists that may cause this effect are cinnamon bark and ylang ylang. 

However, a range of foreign proteins, which are potential antigens, are present in the diet and are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The immune systems of most individuals become tolerant via a regulatory system which prevents adverse reactions to food constituents and additives. However some individuals seem predisposed to allergic diseases and do not become tolerant and so may develop adverse reactions to dietary constituents. It is possible that the interaction of a breakdown product of tartrazine with a protein in the body could be sufficient to cause an allergic reaction in some sensitive individuals. 

NIOSH REL (Diisocyanates) TWA 0.005 ppm CL 0.02 ppm/lOM DOT CLASSIFICATION 6.1 Label KEEP AWAY FROM FOOD DOT Class 6.1 Label Poison DOT Class 6.1 Label Poison, Flammable Liquid DOT Class 3 Label Flammable Liquid, Poison SAFETY PROFILE Poison by inhalation. Mildly toxic by ingestion. Human systemic effects by inhalation increased immune response and body temperature. A skin and eye irritant. An allergic sensitizer. Questionable carcinogen. Mutation data reported. A flammable liquid. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx and SOx. See also CYANATES. 

The adaptive immune system is responsible for the occurrence of drug allergies after applying certain chemicals for example to the skin. Symptoms of such allergic hypersensitivities are observed only in the elicitation phase and not in the preceding sensitization phase, as only the second exposure to the causative drug results in T cell- or antibody-mediated adverse effects. 

Skin sensitization tests assess the ability of chemicals to affect the immune system, such that a second contact causes a more severe reaction than the first. The antigen involved is presumed to be formed in the bonding of the chemical to body proteins. The antibodies that form to this ligand-protein complex give rise to an allergic reaction with subsequent exposure. 

An allergic reaction occurs when the patient develops sensitivity to a medication. When a medication is first administered, the patient s immune system develops antibodies to the medication sensitizing the patient to the medication. 

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