What is Beeswax?

• Beeswax is the natural wax secreted from the glands of bees that are used to build honeycombs. In addition to pollen, beeswax contains propolis, a resin-type substance that honeybees collect from trees, flowers and other botanical sources. Medscape notes that propolis can trigger Type IV dermatitis in some people, as there are hundreds of such cases across the world.
  
  

Symptoms

• In the Type IV dermatitis cases, some people experience redness and swelling of the skin. However, beeswax manufacturers contend that it is rare that someone is allergic to beeswax. And, everyone who is allergic to bees is not necessarily allergic to bee byproducts.
  
  

Treatment

• Health suppliers and manufacturers of beeswax and its products say that anyone who believes they are allergic to beeswax should stop using beeswax products immediately and consult a doctor if they believe they need treatment. If applied to the skin, the product should be washed and removed.
  
  

History

• Some of the earliest candles were made from beeswax, which reportedly burns longer and does not smoke compared to candles made from animal fats and other ingredients. Because beeswax is weatherproof, people put beeswax on letters and documents to preserve the documents. The Romans reportedly used beeswax to preserve art and paintings.
  
  

Beeswax products

• Beeswax is used to create many common products, including ear plugs, candles, lotions, perfumes, dental floss and lip balms. It is also an ingredient in mustache wax, shoe polish and natural chewing gum.