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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 […]
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). […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
ONION: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Onion It’ll make you cry but probably not because of what it’s doing to your skin. While there are reports of onions causing IgE-mediated food allergy, T cell-mediated skin allergy (contact dermatitis) to onions is rare and they are not on published lists of top contact allergens. If you have prick, scratch, […]
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 […]
