When the effects of argan oil have been delivered in different parts of the world, you might have heard about it. You might even be one of the people who dropped by the pharmacy or clinic to ask your doctor if argan oil does indeed have positive effects.
Because of the proven positive effects of argan oil, you might be hooked by it as well. You might have dropped by your trusted store to take it out to your home in a snap. Or maybe you have been waiting to have it delivered to you by now.
In a 2011 argan monograph, it has been stated that there are no known acute or chronic toxicity levels of argan oil. (1) However, a year before that monograph was released, there was a reported case of anaphylaxis in 2010. (1) To provide a better understanding of the possible side effects of argan oil, this post presents some case studies.
1. anaphylaxis
A case of anaphylaxis caused by argan oil was reported after a 34-year-old Moroccan man smelled argan oil. He complained of having rhinitis and conjunctivitis. He also had epigastralgia and hypersalivation after ingesting argan oil. His throat discomfort lasted for 2 hours and his condition improved after taking some medication. Moreover, the patient suffered from generalized erythema in the arms, with secondary urticaria. He was advised to avoid including argan oil in his diet. (2)
In 2021, another case of anaphylaxis due to the topical application of argan oil has been reported. A 29-year-old woman with a history of having allergies to nuts had discomfort after using argan oil. The woman initially complained of having anaphylactic episodes after applying a cosmetic hair care product on her scalp. This led her to deal with cutaneous pruritus, angioedema, and hypotension. She encountered an adverse reaction for the second time when she applied an argan body oil on her arms. She experienced the same symptoms with the first allergic episode but manifestation on the second time showed earlier. The woman experienced anaphylaxis after she had skin contact with argan oil. (3)
2. allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis was experienced by a 50-year-old woman and was reported in 2014. Eczematous lesions on the scalp with intense oozing and itching were the allergic symptoms after she used a moisturizer with argan oil. The manifestations occurred after a week of using the product. She’d been using the moisturizer daily to ease her scalp psoriasis. Aside from applying the moisturizer on her scalp, she’s also using it on her legs. (4)
Another report of allergic contact dermatitis due to the use of argan oil was reported in 2014. This time the reported case involves a child. An 8-year-old girl experienced erythematous, scaly, itchy patches on the cheeks and perioral area. The symptoms appeared after the mother used argan oil to stop the lesions caused by the makeup pencil used to draw on the face of the child during her Halloween party. Argan oil allegedly worsened the rash. It was found in the tests conducted that the patient’s reaction to the makeup pencil was weaker than to the argan oil. It was suspected that the argan oil was bought online, and adulterated. The little girl was given some medication and advised to discontinue the use of argan oil. (5)
A 2016 case study reported four cases of allergic contact dermatitis due to the usage of argan oil. The white women included in the case report are aged 22, 23, 48, and 74 years. Some of the symptoms they experienced were dermatitis on the periocular area with erythema and edema. They also experienced itchiness or pruritus and a burning sensation. The women applied a product with argan oil that did not contain preservatives or fragrances. They used the product containing argan oil to address their concern with face dryness or periocular wrinkles. Rashes appeared for 8 to 3 weeks after applying argan oil. (6)
To prevent side effects, it is helpful to be mindful of our allergens. Some people might have mastered the art of dealing with pain, and when they experience some allergies or side effects, they can easily take some medicine to halter or discontinue the pain. However, it’s still good to practice prevention to avoid side effects and be conscientious about what we do for our health.
Change unhealthy practices
Reference:
- Guillaume D., Charrouf Z. Argan OilMonograph. Alternative Medicine Review 2011: 16 (3) 278
- Astier, C., Benchad, Y.elA., Moneret-Vautrin, D. A., Bihain, B. E., & Kanny, G. (2010). Anaphylaxis to argan oil. Allergy, 65(5), 662–663. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02200.x
- Alvarez D.L.M. Calatayud M.C., Fernandez C.M., Martín A.M1, Toledo F.R1, De la Losa P.F., Mir C.JC., Aragonés M.A. Anaphylaxis After Cutaneous Application of Argan Oil. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2021; Vol. 31(4): 332-334 doi: 10.18176/jiaci.0596
- Foti C., Romita P., Ranieri L.D ., Bonamonte D. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by argan oil (2014). John Wiley & Sons Ltd Contact Dermatitis, 71, 176–190. doi:10.1111/cod.12233
- Barrientos N., De Vega M.M., Dominguez J. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by argan oil in an infant. 2014. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Contact Dermatitis, 71, 303–317. doi:10.1111/cod.12292
- Veraldi S., Mascagni P., Tosi D. Allergic Contact Dermatitis Caused by Argan Oil. 2016 American Contact Dermatitis Society. DOI: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000228
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