ESTROGEN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Estrogen This sex hormone is produced by our bodies and plays an important role in human reproductive systems. It can also be taken orally, via transdermal patch, gel, spray, cream, or injection. While there is a condition called estrogen dermatitis and some case reports of systemic contact dermatitis to orally taken estrogen, […]
BRACES, RETAINERS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Braces, Retainers Nickel in the metals is normally the top culprit (it has also consistently ranked number one in published lists of top contact allergens for decades and was the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s Allergen of the Year in 2008). But there are other materials to look out for like glues, acrylics, and latex […]
SESQUITERPENE LACTONE, TERPENES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Sesquiterpene lactone (STL), Terpenes “Terpenes” is the broader term for the compounds responsible for the odor of most plants (they’re the primary constituents of essential oils, so many of which are top contact allergens). Sesquiterpene lactones are a class of terpenes and are standard inclusions in patch test trays. Contact dermatitis to these substances […]
CLOTHES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Clothes, Textiles No, not all clothes, but yes, enough clothes have top published contact allergens in them for us to call the category an allergen. If you’re noticing dryness, darkening, itching, redness, or other skin issues on areas that come into contact with your clothing — from underwear areas to your knees, elbows, abdomen, […]
PEN, MARKER: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Pens and Markers Many pens and markers have top contact allergens to look out for. This doesn’t mean you can’t write with any of them but it does mean that if you have sensitive skin, there’s some stuff to look out for (and as always, be guided by your patch test!) Top contact allergens […]
TAMPON: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Tampon While it’s possible to develop reactions while handling some tampons with your hands, contact dermatitis in this area would not tend to occur inside the vagina (the internal canal where tampons are inserted) but on the vulva (labia, clitoris, clitoral hood) from contact with external things like feminine washes, period pads, […]
SELF TANNER: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Self Tanners While some products could be safer for sensitive skin, many self tanners tend to contain lots of published top contact allergens, including: Self tanners are definitely safer than tanning in the sun or in UV beds to prevent against skin cancer but be guided by your patch test results (there may be […]
XANTHAM GUM: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Xantham Gum This popular stabilizer, emulsifier and thickener has been known to cause food allergies in some people but it is not published as a top contact (skin) allergen. Xantham gum is derived from sugar (from corn, wheat, soy, or dairy) which is then fermented by the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris. Eating too […]
CHEWING GUM, BUBBLE GUM: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Chewing Gum, Bubble Gum While you might not be touching gum a lot, there are frequently several ingredients that are top contact allergens in popular chewing and bubble gums. As with toothpaste and eating utensils, the contact can be enough to cause perioral dermatitis, contact dermatitis, irritations, and other skin concerns. Some top contact […]