EXERCISE MAT: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Exercise Mat Yoga mats, pilates mats, fitness mats, and rubber mats in gyms are important to keep you safe when working out. But most are made of or contain rubber, which is a top contact allergen. Where you find rubber, you tend to find other allergens like thiuram. Some thicker mats also contain foam, where latex becomes an additional […]

PUPPY: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Puppy Dogs experience contact dermatitis. And some people are allergic to dogs, usually from their dander…but not even their dander, really. The culprit is usually from the animal’s sebaceous glands and saliva, which is then transferred onto its dander during grooming. This allergy isn’t the same as a contact allergy, and pet allergens are not common skin […]

DISINFECTING BLEACH: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen…But A Strong Irritant Disinfecting Bleach The main component of many disinfecting bleaches is sodium hypochlorite, which is not listed as a top contact allergen. However, it is a strong irritant that can cause chemical burns. Many bleaches contain other caustic ingredients which can also burn the skin by destroying its fatty tissue and oils. […]

SURGICAL, N95 & CLOTH MASKS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Surgical & Protective Masks This is a slightly complicated answer. These masks have materials and substances that are top contact allergens. It is interesting that, while most protective masks contain several allergens, and although many healthcare workers experience contact dermatitis, there are very few case reports on contact dermatitis due to surgical masks. Because […]

CHIA SEEDS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Chia Seeds Eaten raw or added to salads, smoothies, yogurt, or meals, chia seeds are a healthy addition to your diet because they are so rich in calcium, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Neither chia seeds nor their extracts are standard in patch test trays, and (possibly because they are still […]

HAND SANITIZER: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen…but not always Hand Sanitizer “Hand sanitizer” does not appear in published lists of top contact allergens. However, most contain allergens like fragrances, dyes, “amido-amines,” and vitamin E. If your hand sanitizer contains alcohol but no allergens, then that’s great! The alcohol normally found in hand sanitizers (isopropyl or ethyl) is drying to the skin and an irritant, but it […]

ALCOHOL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. This is a little tricky but let’s break it down: the most common alcohol (isopropyl, ethyl) used for disinfection is an irritant — and it is certainly drying —but it is not a common contact allergen. For more on the difference between irritant and allergic reactions, see It’s Complicated: Allergic Versus Irritant Reaction. Complicating things […]

Don’t Touch Your Face

Paws Off That Fab Face. You use your hands to touch everything…your phone, keyboard, handrails, others people’s hands, desktops and kitchen counters…everything. Transferring all those microbes to your face increases your risk of sickness and acne, and could trigger a contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) or allergic flare-up if you happen to have touched allergens that you’re sensitive to. […]

A Skincare Regimen Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

You spend time choosing your food and clothing, why not your skincare? Like working out, it helps to know what your goals are, what you like/don’t like, and what may work best for you. Basic skincare is fairly, well, basic: Cleanser, Toner (not if your skin is already dry), Moisturizer, Sunscreen. But even a basic regimen improves significantly when you […]