Can nasal spray be used for allergies to lash adhesive?

There has been a recent trend of people applying Flonase (a brand of nasal spray) to their eyelids before getting lash extensions. They do this because typically they are allergic to lash extensions adhesives. The people I’ve spoken to about this and seen on the internet are applying this to their eyelids 30 minutes prior to their lash appointment. They will spray it on their finger and apply it to their eyelids.

Important disclaimer:

Derik (the science nerd) here - I'm going to give my educated opinion, and my opinion only since I’m not a medical professional or doctor & can’t legally nor morally advise on such matters. Please confirm with a medical professional before using nasal spray as a treatment for lash adhesive sensitivity.

So can you use nasal spray to reduce allergic reactions to lash glue?

My summary opinion is: Flonase is a steroid some people are starting to use to prevent allergies to lash glue. If used too much it can cause side effects. My opinion is that it shouldn’t be an issue if it’s used once a month or so. Get proper medical advice if you want to try it yourself or for your clients.

For more information on how I reached this conclusion:
The active ingredient in Flonase is called fluticasone propionate. For Flonase specifically, it is a mist that is sprayed up the nose to help with sinus issues or swelling. Fluticasone propionate can also be gotten as a cream. The spray can be gotten over the counter and the cream has to be prescribed.

It is classified as a medium-potency (medium strength) steroid. You’ve probably heard of hydrocortisone. That’s considered low-potency (low-strength).

According to the Mayo Clinic, (one of the best hospitals in the world) repeated and extensive use of steroid creams or sprays can cause different skin issues; thinning skin, changing colour of the skin, stretch marks and others.

The key word is extensive in my humble opinion. From my own personal experience, I had a skin issue and was told to apply hydrocortisone cream to it. I was told to use it twice a day, for no longer than 2 weeks. The Mayo Clinic website says something similar for this chemical.

There are many warnings against using this chemical in other ways. Specifically not getting it into your eyes or mouth (which is why people have sprayed it onto their finger and then applied instead of spraying directly to it the eye area). There are also a few cases where some people can have an allergic response to it. There are other cases where it can make the body react even stronger to the stuff you’re trying to protect against (like lash adhesive).

We’ve now done a crash course in what it is with all the disclaimers

Here’s my take on it (I’m not a medical professional and this is not to be taken as medical advice or otherwise) I can’t see how if it is properly applied only once every 3 or so weeks will have any negative effects on the skin. Applying it that infrequently shouldn’t cause any skin thinning or discolouring in my opinion.

Again, I have to stress I’m not a doctor and there hasn’t been extensive research on that specific chemical for the specific use so if you are going to use it yourself or talk to your clients about it, I would recommend getting proper medical advice.

Love,
Glue Nerd Derik

References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fluticasone-topical-application-route/side-effects/drg-20137791?p=1#:~:text=Fluticasone%20topical%20is%20used%20to,only%20with%20your%20doctor's%20prescription.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542161/