BLUE, DISPERSE BLUE DYES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Disperse Blue Dyes These dyes are top contact allergens, and big ones. The American Contact Dermatitis Society named Disperse Blue Dyes Contact Allergen of the Year in 2000. You’ll tend to see these pop up on your patch test results as disperse blue 106 and disperse blue 124. Note that textile allergens are not in […]
BASKET: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Basket There are some caveats for sure, but generally speaking there are few to no top contact allergens in a simple basket with natural, untreated, and uncolored fibers that is woven by hand. Some of the top contact allergens to watch out for: Items with shine as that could suggest a resin […]
PLASTIC: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … but be cautious Plastic This is an interesting call. As a rule, plastics contain lots of allergens like dyes, acrylates, benzophenones, resorcinol monobenzoate, isocyanate (in polyurethane foam, glue, resins), etc. and plastics are everywhere — yet reports of reactions to plastic items are rare. There are some case studies of allergic […]
BUTTERFLY, CATERPILLAR, MOTH: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Butterfly, Caterpillar, Moth These insects might not make it to a patch test tray but many of the things they come into contact with would — like flowers (their nectar is a primary food source) and plants. Plus, if you’re a butterfly enthusiast, chances are you’re spending time in gardens or other grassy, flower-filled […]
SHOES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Shoes So many types of footwear (sandals, pumps, boots, sneakers, water socks, etc.) have so many top contact allergens that most would be considered prime suspects behind skin problems on the feet. Some of the more common culprits include: Rubber (and therefore thiuram) Dyes and paraphenylenediamine (PPD) Leather Formaldehyde (in preservatives but also in […]
PEARL (Boba or Tapioca): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … but may cross react Pearl (Boba or Tapioca) Bubble tea (also called milk tea or milk boba tea) is a Taiwanese drink that has taken the world by storm. The signature “pearls” in the drink are made of tapioca which, when uncolored and unflavored, is not a top contact allergen. That […]
HELMET, SAFETY HEAD GEAR: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Safety Helmet This important piece of equipment for biking, sports, construction, and certain occupations saves lives but can be a real challenge for skin. Some of the more problematic materials include: Rubber (and therefore thiuram), elastics, and latex Dyes bright colors as well as black or dark colors which may contain PPD Acetaophenone Azine […]
PLUSH TOY (Stuffed Animal): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Plush Toy (Stuffed Animal) “Teddy” may be your little one’s cuddliest pal but many plush toys are contact allergen-heavy. Topping the list are strong dyes, especially in toys with bright colors like this woeful turtle’s green, the purple of a certain singing dinosaur, and the bright red fur of a very popular muppet. Less […]
THIMEROSAL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Thimerosal Merthiolate, thiomersalatem, sodium ethylmercury salicylate — thimerosal. This organic mercury is a top contact allergen and had a long history of safety and efficacy as a preservative. But, due to concerns about exposure to mercury-containing ingredients, it is now less commonly found. Thimerosal used to be a staple antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal as […]