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 […]
CAR: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Car Yet another thing that won’t fit on your patch test but yet another thing that’s riddled with top contact allergens! Knowing what they are — and, crucially, using your patch test results as a guide — can spare your skin a lot of problems. Some top contact allergens that are in common cars: […]
LAB SAFETY GEAR: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Lab Safety Gear You won’t see goggles, masks, face shields, or gloves on a patch test but they do tend to have enough top contact allergens to warrant caution. Important: you could be exposed to strong chemicals or other risks in a lab setting so do not forego the safety equipment. Some top contact […]
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 […]
OAT MILK: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … but can cause allergic reactions Oat Milk Oats and oatmeal aren’t top contact allergens (oatmeal is a traditionally popular ingredient to help manage atopic and contact dermatitis and other skin problems). There have been some reports of contact dermatitis and contact urticaria to oats and oatmeal, but if you, in particular, aren’t […]
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 […]
INSECTICIDE, PESTICIDE, BUG SPRAY: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Insecticide, Pesticide, Bug Spray These products wouldn’t necessarily be listed as such on published allergen lists or appear like this on patch test trays, but lots of their ingredients would! Common allergens found in insecticides, pesticides, and bug spray include: balsam of Peru, benzophenones, formaldehyde, fragrance, isothiazolinone, pyrethrin, permethrin (avoid if you patch tested […]
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. […]