COMPOSITAE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Compositae Compositae mix is a common contact allergen that’s a regular feature in patch test trays. The Compositae or Asteraceae group (Aster is “star” in Greek and refers to the shape of the flowers) includes daisies, sunflowers, feverfew (chrysanthemum), and asters, plus chamomile, arnica, and over 20,000 other herbs, vegetables, and plants. Of particular concern […]
EYEGLASSES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Eyeglasses Rubber in nose pads and nickel and gold elements in metal frames tend to be the biggest culprits in eyeglasses but some plastic ones can also have dyes (avoid dark colors and vibrant hues) and benzophenones. Wooden frames could be options but try to look for ones without paint or varnish and other […]
BEES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen … but perhaps not what you think Bees The glorious, vital, pollinating insect itself is not a top contact allergen. A bee sting is painful. For those with an IgE-mediated allergy to bee stings, they can be life threatening. But even an allergy to bee stings (Type 1 reaction) is not a contact skinallergy […]
SEASHELLS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Seashells When handled straight from the beach or ocean, there are risks of skin unpleasantness such as reactions from algae, sand flea bites, or other environmental remnants. But seashells that have been out of the ocean for some time are not top contact allergens. Try not to purchase them or remove them […]
PRESERVATIVES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Preservatives Found in everything from plastics to fabrics, household goods, vaping compounds, medications, nutritional supplements, hair care and styling products, and certainly skincare and cosmetics, preservatives play an important role in preventing the growth of fungi and bacteria and keeping these items from decomposing or growing mould when contaminated by a microbe. Preservatives are […]
OLEAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Oleamidopropyl Dimethylamine “Amido-amine” surfactants are popular “safer” alternatives to SLS. But while SLS and SLES can be irritants (especially in higher concentrations), they are not allergens. Amido-amines are. OleAMIDOpropyl dimethylamine itself regularly appears on published lists of top contact allergens. Other common amido-amines are cocamidopropyl betaine and cocamide-DEA. Note that the “coca” in some […]
ACETOPHENONE AZINE (in EVA foam in shin guards, footwear & sport gear): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Acetophenone Azine (in EVA foam in shin guards, footwear & sport gear) Meet the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s Allergen of the Year for 2021: Acetophenone azine (AA)! AA is found in EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) foam and is a cause of allergic contact dermatitis — especially in children — from shin guards, bicycle seats, […]
LIMONENE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Limonene Limonene isn’t just a top contact allergen itself; it is one of the substances that makes mango, lime, mint, compositae, and many fragrances allergens, too. d-limonene is naturally occurring in plants and spices (mostly the citruses but also peppermint and fir needles). If you have patch tested positive to d-limonene, look out for […]
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Cocamidopropyl Betaine Cocamidopropyl betaine was the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s Allergen of the Year in 2004. It is a common ingredient in cleansers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, hair coloring and styling products, toothpastes, mouth washes, and other cosmetics. A mistake that tends to be made is thinking that it is the “coco” (the coconut origin) […]