MCI/MI in MOIST WIPES (Methylchloroisothiazolinone / Methylisothiazolinone): Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. MCI/MI (Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone) While the full name is a mouthful, you might have heard of MCI/MI. Several posts about the ingredient’s presence in baby wipes went viral due to the severity of the skin reactions it caused in babies. MCI/MI (commonly used as a combination) are preservatives that are published allergens, and the American Contact Dermatitis Society chose Methylisothiazolinone as […]

WOOD: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen (but be wary) Wood While “wood” is not listed in published allergen lists, you might be surprised to learn how often it can be the cause of skin irritations and allergies. Some of the most common culprits are: Paints, finishes, shellac, varnishes; Insecticides sprayed on or near the trees before they are cut […]

CHLORINE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not an Allergen (sort of). Chlorine This is a little complicated. This common disinfectant is a strong irritant that is known to cause several skin problems, from rashes to acne, and is present in ingredients that are published allergens, such as chlorinated hydrocarbons like triclosan … but “chlorine” itself is not published in common allergen lists. Chlorine is also […]

DEET (the anti-mosquito chemical): Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. DEET N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) has a lot of things going for it — among other things, it is not a common skin allergen. That this is the case, with such rare reports (under a dozen) of adverse skin reactions in multiple decades of use in by hundreds of millions of people, is impressive and […]

CITRONELLA: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Citronella Fragrance was the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS)’s Contact Allergen of the Year for 2007, and fragrance mix (which contains geraniol, which is in citronella oil) is a standard addition in patch test trays because it is such a common contact allergen. Often used as an a natural mosquito repellent option, citronella itself (a cousin of […]

CLAY: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Clay Pottery clay can cause allergic contact dermatitis because of the presence of cobalt, which is a top allergen. The biggest risk is to people who handle and form the raw materials (in Management of Positive Patch Test Reactions, for example, the recommendation is to avoid “wet alkaline clay containing cobalt.”)* As well, keep in […]

LILY: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Lily (Alstroemeria) So many flowers and plants are top allergens (browse through our Allergen-Not An Allergen tab), and this beautiful bloom is no exception. Allergic contact dermatitis to Alstroemeria (or tuliposide A, the allergen in this flower) can be common in gardeners, florists, and gardening hobbyists, showing as thick, cracking, red, tender skin on fingers where […]

PICKLES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. Pickles Not a skin allergen (for food allergies, ask an allergist for a scratch test), and a great source of probiotics, pickles are wonderful additions to your diet. BUT, there are four things to watch out for. First, be wary of pickles with preservatives like parabens, which are top allergens. Pickles, strictly speaking, don’t need […]

COTTON (Unbleached, Unpreserved, Un-dyed, Untreated): Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. 100% Raw, Untreated, Organic Cotton But let’s be clear: we’re talking organic, untreated cotton, from start to finish. While colored clothing is often a “red” flag (pun fully intended) because of the likely presence of dyes (which are both allergens and photo-allergens), even plain cotton fabric can be allergenic. White cotton is bleached, and several bleaches […]