ONION: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Onion It’ll make you cry but probably not because of what it’s doing to your skin. While there are reports of onions causing IgE-mediated food allergy, T cell-mediated skin allergy (contact dermatitis) to onions is rare and they are not on published lists of top contact allergens. If you have prick, scratch, […]

OAKMOSS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Oakmoss This woody, earthy fragrance from tree lichen is a favorite in men’s cologne and skincare, is part of Fragrance Mix in standard patch test trays, and is definitely a published top contact allergen. Moss is generally a contact allergen, too, but oakmoss (Evernia prunastri) is actually a lichen (a fungus-algae hybrid that grows […]

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 […]

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 […]

CALCIUM CARBONATE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Calcium Carbonate This naturally occurring substance is all around us, such as in pearls, shells, shellfish skeletons, eggshells and rocks (calcite and aragonite minerals). Calcium carbonate also very common as a dietary supplement, in foods, and in cosmetics. All of this makes the fact that it is not on published lists of […]

CARBA MIX (Rubber, Rubberized Handles): Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Carba Mix Carba chemicals are rubber accelerators. They are needed to make natural rubber latex suitable for manufacturing many rubber products and to make the vulcanization of rubber go faster. You can find carba mix in most rubber and rubberized things, including: travel mug handles; rubberized grips on weights, rackets and other gym or […]

LETTUCE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Lettuce This vegetable is so good for you (it’s hydrating and a great source of antioxidants and vitamins) that it should be a staple in your diet unless you patch test positive to it. Lettuce itself is not in published lists of top contact allergens, but the Compositae (Asteraceae) family it belongs to and […]

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 […]

FLAVORING: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Flavoring While there are some natural extracts like ginger root that are not top contact allergens, many flavors (natural or not) found in foods, beverages, and oral care products are. These include mint, eucalyptus, lemon, orange, Balsam of Peru — this last allergen has several components and cross reactants that should be avoided, too, […]