CLOVE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Clove Clove oil is eugenol, which is extracted from cloves, and which is one of the allergens in the Fragrance Mix included standard patch test trays, definitely making it a top contact allergen. Where can you find clove oil Because it smells good and has antiseptic properties, clove oil is found in lots of […]
SNEAKERS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Sneakers So many types of shoes (sandals, pumps, boots, water socks, etc.) have so many top contact allergens that most would be considered prime suspects behind skin problems on the feet. Sneakers are definitely up there (and can be more of an issue since they’re often worn during exercise!). Some top contact allergens in […]
OAT MILK: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … but can cause allergic reactions Oat Milk Oats and oatmeal aren’t top contact allergens (oatmeal is a traditionally popular ingredient to help manage atopic and contact dermatitis and other skin problems). There have been some reports of contact dermatitis and contact urticaria to oats and oatmeal, but if you, in particular, aren’t […]
PARAFFIN WAX: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Paraffin Wax We’re talking cosmetic grade, lab-tested paraffin wax, of course, to ensure that it is hygienic and appropriate for use on the skin, but paraffin wax is really not a top contact allergen. So much so that, like mineral oil and petrolatum, paraffin wax is a favorite among dermatologists as a […]
INSECTICIDE, PESTICIDE, BUG SPRAY: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Insecticide, Pesticide, Bug Spray These products wouldn’t necessarily be listed as such on published allergen lists or appear like this on patch test trays, but lots of their ingredients would! Common allergens found in insecticides, pesticides, and bug spray include: balsam of Peru, benzophenones, formaldehyde, fragrance, isothiazolinone, pyrethrin, permethrin (avoid if you patch tested […]
SPICES & HERBS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Spices and Herbs Spices and herbs add flavor and brightness and complexity and yumminess to our lives. But, as with plants and flowers, so many are top contact allergens (and top photo-contact allergens — they can react with light to cause skin darkening) that, as a group, spices and herbs would be considered allergens. […]
XYLITOL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Xylitol This natural sugar can be found in many fruits, vegetables, and other plants. Because has around 40% fewer calories and has a lower glycemic index than sugar, and because it is well proven to improve dental health, xylitol is often used as a sugar substitute in some candies, baked goods, breath […]
BENZOYL PEROXIDE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Benzoyl Peroxide This popular anti-acne medication is not on published lists of top contact allergens and there are relatively few case reports of allergic contact dermatitis to it. Benzoyl peroxide can be an irritant, however (why so many people find products containing it drying). Update: Benzoic acid is a derivative of benzoyl […]
CHIPS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen … as a rule, but there are options! Chips There are so, so many snack chips and most contain a trifecta of top contact allergens: preservatives, food coloring, and flavoring (lots of flavors are related to fragrance). A patch test can confirm if you have a contact allergy to these ingredients. When eating or […]