Woman Suffers Painful ‘Elephant Skin’ After Dental Treatment

UK: Lily Lindsay, a 29-year-old woman from Aberdeenshire, embarked on a journey to enhance her smile by opting for dental composite veneers, inspired by social media influencers on TikTok. However, what was intended to boost her confidence ended up as a harrowing ordeal, as she developed ‘crusty’ and painful ‘elephant skin’ across her face and body following the procedure.

Unexpected Allergic Reaction

Lily’s dental veneers, which cost her £1,000, led to unexpected consequences. Instead of addressing her lifelong insecurity, the treatment triggered a severe allergic reaction, leaving her skin dry, flaky, and painful. Lily described it as akin to ‘elephant skin,’ a condition that took a toll on her mental health. Struggling to find a solution, she eventually resorted to anti-depressants to cope with the distress.

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Initially pleased with the results of the dental procedure, Lily’s relief was short-lived. Two weeks later, she began experiencing red, itchy eyes and dry skin. Her doctor initially suspected dermatitis and prescribed creams, along with advising her to avoid products containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), commonly found in toothpaste and shampoo. However, the relief was temporary, and Lily’s skin issues resurfaced with intensified severity.

A Painful Struggle

Lily’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to excruciating discomfort, particularly under her arms. The persistent pain affected her daily life, making simple tasks like showering unbearable. Lily’s depression deepened as she grappled with the physical and emotional toll of her appearance.

Lily embarked on a journey to uncover the cause of her suffering, consulting doctors and dermatologists. A patch test for 100 different allergens yielded no answers. By January 2023, her allergic reaction began affecting her immune system, causing dizziness, ringing ears, and black spots in her vision. She realised her skin problems had emerged two weeks after getting the veneers, prompting her to make a courageous decision.

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Removing the Veneers

In April 2023, Lily opted to remove the dental veneers that had triggered her severe reaction. Her dentist covered the cost, concerned that removing them might induce an anaphylactic shock. Fortunately, the procedure went smoothly, and by mid-May, Lily’s skin had entirely cleared up.

Dr. Helen Evans-Howells, a healthcare expert, highlighted that allergic reactions to composite veneers can occur due to the resin used in these products. Typically, such reactions manifest as contact dermatitis or mouth ulcers. In some cases, they can lead to symptoms like eczema or eye swelling. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a substance as a threat.

While Lily’s case highlights the possibility of allergic reactions to dental veneers, it’s important to remember that not everyone will experience such adverse effects. Allergies can vary from person to person, and genetic factors may also play a role in their development.

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