An immune reaction to a harmless cosmetic ingredient causing symptoms like a skin rash (dermatitis), swelling (inflammation and Angioedema), redness (erythema), Itching (pruritus) which can occur after the first exposure or even after long term use. STATISTICS ABOUT COSMETIC ALLERGY IN AFRICA. Approximately 5 people out of 10, that is 50% of the general population may need to be sensitized to cosmetics on their ingredients. In Uganda it is estimated that 10 people out of 100 are identified with cosmetic allergy every day that is in specialized hospitals and basically numbers being the same in East Africa. It’s basically contact allergy condition; of two types; - Irritant contact dermatitis Here it is a direct non-allergic reaction that happens when a product damages the skin. - Allergic contact dermatitis It is a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction where the immune system identifies an ingredient as a threat after prior exposure. However in addition to that there could also be reaction to toothpaste where toothpaste is not cosmetic CAUSSES OF COSMETIC ALLERGY Cosmetic Allergy is basically an allergy immune reaction. Most people who get Cosmetic Allergy react to the Allergens in the cosmetic product.

Dr. Mundu Allan Abdull Latif graduated in Medicine from Gulu University in 2009 and earned a Diploma in Dermatology and Venereology in 2015 from the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in Moshi, Tanzania. Influenced by his father, a traditional herbalist, he combines traditional and conventional medicine in patient care. He has worked in both private and government hospitals and was recognized as the best performing dermatologist at Mulago National Referral Hospital in 2022. Currently, he is the founding director and dermatologist at FUBAMA Skin Health Africa, leading CME training, research, and outreach programs. His research focuses on autoimmune and cosmetic allergy diseases, particularly in black skin. He has also participated in several radio and TV health talk shows and established a dermatology pharmacy, with plans to open a dermatology lab.