POTASSIUM DICHROMATE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Potassium Dichromate Yet another top contact allergen that is totally natural — it is a common metal in the earth’s crust and found in loam, clay, ash, soil, water, and sand — potassium dichromate (chromate or chromium salt) can be difficult to avoid. It is found in … If you have a history of sensitive […]

DIRT, MUD, MUD MASKS: Allergen, or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen (but be wary) Dirt, Mud, Mud Masks “Dirt” and “mud” might not appear as such in patch test trays, but they can cause contact irritations and allergies. Dirt is a common culprit in irritant contact dermatitis — when the skin is regularly exposed to something over time that irritates it. Dirt under grass and plants might become […]

CLAY: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Clay Pottery clay can cause allergic contact dermatitis because of the presence of cobalt, which is a top allergen. The biggest risk is to people who handle and form the raw materials (in Management of Positive Patch Test Reactions, for example, the recommendation is to avoid “wet alkaline clay containing cobalt.”)* As well, keep in […]