OLEAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Oleamidopropyl Dimethylamine “Amido-amine” surfactants are popular “safer” alternatives to SLS. But while SLS and SLES can be irritants (especially in higher concentrations), they are not allergens. Amido-amines are. OleAMIDOpropyl dimethylamine itself regularly appears on published lists of top contact allergens. Other common amido-amines are cocamidopropyl betaine and cocamide-DEA. Note that the “coca” in some […]
ACETOPHENONE AZINE (in EVA foam in shin guards, footwear & sport gear): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Acetophenone Azine (in EVA foam in shin guards, footwear & sport gear) Meet the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s Allergen of the Year for 2021: Acetophenone azine (AA)! AA is found in EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) foam and is a cause of allergic contact dermatitis — especially in children — from shin guards, bicycle seats, […]
PUMICE (Volcanic Rock): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … but be cautious Pumice (Volcanic Rock) Pure pumice is not a top contact allergen and does not appear as such in patch test trays, but it can certainly cause contact irritations (especially when scrubbed on skin vigorously). Like dirt and mud, the volcanic rock could possibly be mixed with cobalt or […]
BARTENDING: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Bartending You won’t see “bartending” on patch test trays or patch test results but this popular activity exposes the skin to several top contact allergens. Some of the things to look out for include: Many tools (spoons, muddlers, shakers, ice buckets, etc.) are made of metal and most metals contain nickel, which is the […]
TURPENTINE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Turpentine This pine-derived solvent is a mainstay for painters and hobbyists, and can be found in some cold remedies and liniments. While some reports consider turpentine more of a skin irritant than an actual contact allergen, cases of allergic contact dermatitis to it have been reported, it is a known cause of occupational contact […]
FEMININE HYGIENE, SANITARY (PERIOD) PADS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Sanitary (Period) Pads People have different preferences when it comes to period care but sanitary napkins can be a bit of a minefield for those with sensitive skin because most have several top contact allergens. A common cause of contact dermatitis of the vulva (vulvitis) or buttocks is fragrance — especially because of the […]
BASIL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … yet Basil There are some case studies of reactions to basil oil, and it is not currently listed in published lists of top common allergens. However, this heavenly herb is, along with mint and lavender, part of the Labiatae (Lamiaceae) family of top contact allergens. We therefore suggest to use it […]
STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … maybe Stainless Steel Water Bottle Nickel has been the number one contact allergen for years, was the 2008 Allergen of the Year of the American Contact Dermatitis Society, and is everywhere. When we say that a stainless steel water bottle is probably not a contact allergen, we assume that it is a pretty plain, […]
NON-STICK PAN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen…but a manageable one! Non-Stick Pan Many non-stick frying pans or other cooking pans are made up of several substances that are allergens. The concern isn’t so much the “non-stick” part of it. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon) is not a top contact allergen. It is sometimes recommended as a coating for metal medical devices or […]