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RABBIT: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Rabbits, Bunnies Bunnies can get skin diseases and some people can be allergic to rabbits’ saliva, which is transferred onto fur during grooming, or to their dander (dead skin cells naturally shed by Fluffy). This is an IgE-mediated allergy, however, and isn’t the same as a contact allergy (which is T-cell mediated). Because the […]
KNITTING: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … but barely Knitting The potential contact allergens that could be involved in this popular craft are numerous … Formaldehydes in the preservation of wool and wooden knitting needles Nickel in metal knitting needles Dyes and acrylates in yarn … but because there do seem to be lots of safer alternatives that […]
BALSAM OF PERU: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Balsam of Peru Not actually from Peru but native to El Salvador (when it was first named, El Salvador was a Peruvian colony), Balsam of Peru makes such a regular appearance on published lists of top contact allergens that it is standard in the most elemental of patch test trays. Balsam of Peru is […]
SUNLIGHT: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Sunlight If you are ever in a position where you might actually come into direct contact with the sun, there are got bigger problems to worry about. But sun LIGHT does shine directly our skins and while not a top contact allergen (it’s not something we can touch or apply onto our […]
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 […]
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 […]
COVID-19 VACCINES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Covid-19 Vaccines As of the time of this writing and the information available, none of the Covid-19 vaccines are known contact allergens or contain multiple contact allergens in their ingredients. Even if they were, the chances of a skin reaction would be unlikely as the vaccines are injected, not applied topically on […]
