If you are considering using CBD, you may have concerns about allergic reactions. This is understandable because there are many people who have never used the substance before, and they don’t know what to expect. While it is important to be cautious when trying something new, rest assured that there is no evidence of an allergic reaction in studies conducted on CBD.
Can You Have Bad Reactions to CBD?
It is possible to have bad reactions to CBD. However, this is more likely to occur when it is exposed to a mold known as Aspergillus. In many cases, the CBD oil you purchase from your local dispensary or grocery store will not be exposed to such mold. When there are problems with extraction methods and processes in manufacturing hemp-derived CBD products, that product becomes vulnerable to mold exposure.
Suppose you already have a severe allergy to Aspergillus. In that case, it is not recommended that you use CBD or hemp oil products because the risk becomes even greater when taking these substances orally, which exposes them to more of your immune system and increases the chances for an allergic reaction. The typical allergic reaction to CBD oil includes:
- Itchy skin rash
- Hives or welts that can itch, burn, and/or swell up
- Tingling or itchy throat, tongue, lips
- Swelling of the face and eyes
These are not life-threatening, but they can be uncomfortable. The good news is that these reactions have been seen in less than half a percent of individuals who used CBD oil for their pain management purposes. If you experience any type of allergic reaction from using CBD oil, you should stop use immediately and seek medical attention.
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Possible Side Effects of CBD Oil
The side effects of CBD oil are very low and rare. Some people have experienced minor nausea, diarrhea, and weight changes. However, these were only seen when the product was not processed well or if it had been exposed to mold during its manufacture. As mentioned above, hemp-derived products that undergo proper processing procedures will be less likely to contain high levels of mold toxins.
The most common CBD product side effects include:
- Drowsiness, tiredness, and fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or digestive upset
These are not life-threatening, but they can cause discomfort to anybody. The more severe side effects could be:
- Agitation, anxiety, and irritability
- Problems with concentration or memory (such as reduced attention span)
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Actions to Do When Allergic Reaction to CBD Oil Occurs
If you have never used CBD oil before, then it is recommended that you start with a small dosage just to see how your body reacts. If there are no signs of an allergic reaction after three days, increase the amount slowly over time until you find what works best for your pain management needs.
It’s important not to ignore any itching or swelling that you may experience within the first few hours of taking CBD oil. These are signs to monitor closely and seek medical attention if they worsen over time or if new ones develop.
If you have an allergic reaction, it is important not to panic but instead stop using the product and discuss what to do next with your doctor. There are several options that you can explore when dealing with an allergic reaction:
- Discontinue use of CBD oil
- Use antihistamines, steroids, or immunosuppressants for inflammation management
If you experience any type of severe side effects, then you should seek emergency medical attention.
If you are looking for relief from pain or anxiety, then CBD oil can be a great option to try, but it’s important to understand the risks and benefits associated with taking this substance orally before trying it.
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How Do They Diagnose CBD Allergy?
Those who are allergic to CBD oil will have symptoms that can be treated with antihistamines, steroids, or immunosuppressants. These treatments are used for inflammation management, and if they don’t work, then surgery may need to be considered as an option. A skin prick test is one of the diagnostic tools doctors use to see whether allergies are present.
The skin prick test is a simple, quick medical examination where the doctor uses different allergens under your skin to see how you react.
If you have an allergic reaction that leads to swelling of lips or tongue, then it’s important not to self-diagnose yourself with CBD allergy because that can be dangerous if left untreated.
This test is used to diagnose allergies caused by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and foods. The allergens are injected into your skin at different places on the body, and then a nurse or doctor watches for swelling that would indicate a positive reaction. It’s important not to expose yourself too many times because you can develop an immunity that will result in a false negative.
To avoid side effects and even reactions, there are a few things you should note when trying CBD oil for the first time:
- Start with a small dosage and increase it slowly over time
- Do not ignore any itching or swelling that occurs after taking CBD oil. It’s important to seek medical attention if they worsen over time or new ones develop.
- The skin prick test is one of the diagnostic tools doctors use to see whether allergies are present.
- It’s important not to self-diagnose with CBD allergy because that can be dangerous if left untreated.
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In Conclusion
Allergic reactions to CBD oil are rare, but they can occur. If you have an allergic reaction, it’s important not to panic but instead stop using the product and discuss what to do next with your doctor. You can explore several options when dealing with an allergic reaction. It is just important that you are aware of the adverse reaction you are having and what your doctor can do to help you with it.