CAPRYLIC ACID: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Caprylic Acid Yet another impressive, well-studied coconut oil derivative, this medium-chain fatty acid is (along with lauric acid and capric acid), is one of the three main fatty acids found in coconut oil. Caprylic acid is also known as octanoic acid and has several benefits, especially as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. […]
SALMON SPERM: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Salmon Sperm So far, salmon sperm — really, the polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRNs) derived from it — is not a top common allergen. Some clinical studies seem to show that PDRNs are effective in wound healing, skin rejuvenation, anti-inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and increasing collagen, among other benefits. Polynucleotide injections and facials are not yet FDA-approved […]
COTTON ROUNDS, PADS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Cotton Rounds, Pads White, pure cotton rounds or pads should be relatively free of allergens, especially if they are made from organic cotton (which means, among other things: no pesticides). It starts getting riskier if your applicators are: If you can find white cotton pads that are also free of chlorine and […]
RAZOR: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Razor While “razor” isn’t something you’ll see on your patch test results, there’s a pretty good chance you might see nickel, which has been the number one contact allergen for decades. Nickel was also the 2008 Allergen of the Year of the American Contact Dermatitis Society and is tough to avoid completely because almost all metals have […]
GARDEN, GARDENING: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Garden, Gardening You won’t see these words on a patch test but gardens and gardening involve lots and lots of top contact allergens. The main ones include: Other allergens you might get exposed to such as insects and pollen can be IgE-mediated allergens. While they might not necessarily be skin allergens (unless you also […]
If I’m Allergic to Nuts, Can I Use Virgin Coconut Oil?
The short answer is almost certainly, yes! IMPORTANT: the short answer is almost certainly yes IF you choose a pure, first-and-cold-pressed virgin coconut oil (VCO) that has not been exposed to allergens during processing, handling or storage. There are almost no reactions to pure coconut oil in medical literature. Casual reports seem to be to […]
RABBIT: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Rabbits, Bunnies Bunnies can get skin diseases and some people can be allergic to rabbits’ saliva, which is transferred onto fur during grooming, or to their dander (dead skin cells naturally shed by Fluffy). This is an IgE-mediated allergy, however, and isn’t the same as a contact allergy (which is T-cell mediated). Because the […]
BAGOONG (Fermented Shrimp Paste): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Bagoong This fermented shrimp paste (pronounced bah-goh-ong) is a local delicacy in the Philippines. While it’s mostly made with shrimp it can also be made with fish or krill. And while food allergies to shellfish are not uncommon, they’re actually less common as contact allergies. Food allergies (type B cells are involved) […]
MUSHROOM: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Mushroom Shiitake flagellate dermatitis is a thing but the distinctive rash of streaks that look like whip lashes (hence the name) only happens when those who are sensitive to shiitake mushrooms eat it raw or lightly cooked (reactions are not known to occur when they are ingested well cooked, above 145°C (293°F). […]