LATEX: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Latex Not listed as “latex” on published lists of common contact allergens, latex is actually the milky sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Latex makes up the large majority of natural rubber, and rubber is an allergen. Exposure can be from contact with the skin, but also intravenously, through inhalation (from latex in […]

DYES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen…and Photo-Allergen! Dyes While some are safer than others, dyes are definitely on the published lists of most common contact allergens. These include disperse blue dyes (used in a variety of textiles and clothing), which were chosen as the very first Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society in 2000, and paraphenylenediamine or PPD (found in hair dye, cosmetics, […]

KINETIN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Kinetin Not on published allergen lists and a cytokinin, a naturally-occurring compound that exists in the DNA of cells of various organisms (including humans and many plants). In plants, it is known to prolong plant life, promote cell division, prevent green plant leaves from turning brown and stimulate plants to grow. Present in […]

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 […]

PHONE CASE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Your Mobile Phone Case They wouldn’t appear as such on published contact allergen lists, but many mobile phone protective cases have top allergens to be wary of, such as nickel and rubber. The phone itself may be less of a concern as touch screens have come to replace phones with metal keypads. The metal back […]

GIN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Gin This cocktail staple is not on published lists of contact allergens…but if you’ve got sensitive skin, you might be a little wary of the mixers and garnishes. Lemon and lime, for example, are common allergens, as is mint. Quinine is known to cause drug-induced photosensitivity. And artificial mixers can contain loads of allergens, […]

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Activated Charcoal This trendy ingredient has a slew of viral videos touting its efficacy at removing toxins in everything from toothpastes to facial masks. While not on published lists of contact allergens, however, we’d suggest a little bit of caution. First, clarification: this isn’t the same stuff you use for BBQs. Activated […]

CANNABINOID (CBD) OIL: Allergen, or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen CBD Oil While research on the efficacy and safety of cannabinoid (CBD for short) oil is still lacking, interest is high and growing for this impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Some studies are even looking at it as a possible management option for allergic contact dermatitis! Other pilot studies and and anecdotal reports imply a potential […]

HAIR DYE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Hair Dye “Hair dye” is not on published allergen lists, but most hair dyes contain PPD or para-phenylenediamine, which is a staple in published allergen lists — — so much so that it was the American Contact Dermatitis Society‘s Allergen of the Year in 2006. Reactions occur where you’d expect them (on the scalp, for example, […]