By Jennifer Collins, M.D.
Gramercy Allergy & Asthma in New York City | Mar 15, 2016
I just returned from the American Contact Dermatitis Society 27th Annual Meeting in Washington DC. This entire day was focused on new and emerging trends in skin allergy including hot topics in contact dermatitis. I was surrounded by experts from around the world in contact dermatitis- we shared patient stories and brainstormed about difficult cases. I learned so much and am excited to bring back this information to you my patients in NYC.One exciting new development for my patients with contact dermatitis is the introduction of the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s new app for CAMP. It’s a free and easy way of using your product list in stores.
If I’ve created a safe product list for you, put your search codes (found in the upper left hand corner) and you’re set to go. A word of caution, as products formularies are updated, the list won’t automatically update. This app is easy to use and you can create favorite lists of your “safe” products. I know you’ll find this helpful and a welcome addition to your safe list.
Some of the topics discussed were:
- Emerging sensitizers in contact dermatitis
- The role of the skins microbiome in the development of contact dermatitis
- Phenylenediamine allergy
- Patch testing in pediatric patients
- Food patch testing
Announcing the Contact Allergen of 2016! Announcing the Contact Allergen of the Year
There they announced the 2016 contact allergen of the year – Gold Sulfate.
More on this from the blog coming soon. These contact allergens are important sensitizers in our personal care products.
One in four people are sensitized to commonly used products like
shampoos, soaps, makeup and lotions.
Past winners have included:
- 2015 – Formaldehyde[2]
- 2014 – Benzophenones[3][4]
- 2013 – Methylisothiazolinone[5] – This chemical is used as a preservative in many cosmetics, lotions, and makeup removers; some of its side effects include flaky or scaly skin, breakouts, redness or itchiness, and moderate to severe swelling in the eye area.
- 2012 – Acrylate[6][7]
- 2011 – Dimethyl fumarate[8][9] – Dimethyl fumarate is the chemical associated with ‘poisoned chairs’ and ‘toxic sandals’.
- 2010 – Neomycin (antibiotic)[10][11]
- 2009 – Mixed dialkyl thiourea[12][13] – Neoprene rubber is a common source.
- 2008 – Nickel[14][15]
- 2007 – Fragrance[16]
- 2006 – p-Phenylenediamine[17][18] – PPD is the hair dye chemical that is used to augment black henna tattoos. It has been shown to cause severe blistering and scarring, and its topical use is banned in some countries.
- 2005 – Corticosteroids[19]
- 2004 – Cocamidopropyl betaine[20][21]
- 2003 – Bacitracin[22][23]
- 2002 – Thimerosal[24]
- 2001 – Gold[25][26]
- 2000 – Disperse Blue Dyes[27]
I also learned that VMV Hypoallergenics is introducing a Post-Patch Test Allergen-Free Set (launching soon) for people recently diagnosed with contact dermatitis (another starter set: Superskin-Starts-Here Set). This is designed to get you started with sample size products to reduce the possibility of irritation. Twitter/VMVinNYC, Instagram and Facebook/VMVHypoallergenics.
I’ve brought back all of this information to the practice and am excited to help those with skin allergy.
Visit Gramercy Allergy for expert care
— for kids and adults! —
of your allergy and immunology concerns.
This article originally appeared on Itchy & Scratchy, Gramercy Allergy’s Medical Column on Fighting Allergies and Asthma in New York City.
Reposted with permission. We publish articles by doctors who wish to provide helpful information to their patients and the public at large, or who respond to our requests to use them as professional resources. Doctors may or may not prefer to remain anonymous and we respect this preference. These resource articles do not in any way imply an endorsement by the physician of VMVinSKIN.com or VMV HYPOALLERGENICS® — they are intended for informational purposes only. While written by or with resource professionals, these articles should not be relied on for diagnostic accuracy or applicability to your particular skin, which requires an in-person ocular consultation with a qualified physician and possibly additional diagnostic tests.
