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BAGOONG (Fermented Shrimp Paste): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Bagoong This fermented shrimp paste (pronounced bah-goh-ong) is a local delicacy in the Philippines. While it’s mostly made with shrimp it can also be made with fish or krill. And while food allergies to shellfish are not uncommon, they’re actually less common as contact allergies. Food allergies (type B cells are involved) […]
MUSHROOM: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Mushroom Shiitake flagellate dermatitis is a thing but the distinctive rash of streaks that look like whip lashes (hence the name) only happens when those who are sensitive to shiitake mushrooms eat it raw or lightly cooked (reactions are not known to occur when they are ingested well cooked, above 145°C (293°F). […]
CLOVE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Clove Clove oil is eugenol, which is extracted from cloves, and which is one of the allergens in the Fragrance Mix included standard patch test trays, definitely making it a top contact allergen. Where can you find clove oil Because it smells good and has antiseptic properties, clove oil is found in lots of […]
SNEAKERS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Sneakers So many types of shoes (sandals, pumps, boots, water socks, etc.) have so many top contact allergens that most would be considered prime suspects behind skin problems on the feet. Sneakers are definitely up there (and can be more of an issue since they’re often worn during exercise!). Some top contact allergens in […]
CACTUS EXTRACT: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Cactus Extract While cactus spines can certainly be painful and produce an acute inflammatory reaction, and while there do not seem to be many clinical studies yet on the benefits of cactus extracts for skin, it is currently not a top contact allergen. A heads up: cactus extracts are relatively new in cosmetics […]
ATHLETIC APPAREL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Athletic or Sports Apparel Workout clothes won’t be in published lists of top contact allergens and they wouldn’t be in a standard patch test tray (a bit more on this below) but most sporting clothes are made up of lots of top contact allergens. Scroll to the bottom to learn how you can work […]
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 […]
SPICES & HERBS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Spices and Herbs Spices and herbs add flavor and brightness and complexity and yumminess to our lives. But, as with plants and flowers, so many are top contact allergens (and top photo-contact allergens — they can react with light to cause skin darkening) that, as a group, spices and herbs would be considered allergens. […]
