Are You Exposing Yourself to These 10 Common Skin Allergy Triggers?

Is your allergist in Scottsdale constantly helping you battle skin allergies? It may be because you are constantly exposing yourself to common allergy and asthma triggers.

No touching!

Contact dermatitis, skin allergies characterized by rashes or skin irritation resulting from allergens coming in contact with your skin, affect up to 3 percent of adults. Its triggers are often common – and sometimes surprising.

When it comes to skin allergies, are you your own worst enemy?

1. Perfumes.
   Not just Chanel No. 5, we’re talking shampoo, soap, detergents, dryer sheets, air fresheners, and more. Only products labelled “fragrance-free,” not unscented, are immune.
    
2. Nickel.
   Found in items from jewelry, watchbands, and glasses, to the zippers and buttons on your clothes, this common allergen can be worsened by sweat. To avoid sensitivity, items must be coated.
    
3. Latex.
   Gloves, rubber bands, waistbands on pants, and more can contain latex, resulting in reactions from itchy eyes and rashes to difficulty breathing and vomiting.
    
4. Dyes.
   To avoid contact dermatitis, a patch test is required prior to the application of hair dye or henna tattoos containing para-phenylenediamine (PPD).
    
5. Clothing.
   Formaldehyde resins, used in clothing elastics and fabrics for waterproofing, shrinkage, and wrinkle resistance, can cause burning eyes, skin rashes, and chest tightness. Cotton, polyester, nylon, and acrylic are typically more lightly treated.
    
6. Cosmetics.
   Preservatives such as formaldehyde, parabens, and thimerosal used in cosmetics can cause skin irritation at the site of contact.
    
7. Creams and ointments.
   Neomycin, used in antibiotic and anaesthetic (pain relief) creams, ear drops, and eye drops, can irritate the skin. Not sure if that’s you? Try a patch test.
    
8. Sunscreen.
   Common sunscreen ingredients can cause allergic reactions, including PABA (para-amino benzoic acid), oxybenzone, salicylates, benzophenones, and cyclohexanol. Reactions may be on contact for some, or for others only following sun exposure.
    
9. Household products.
   Skin irritation is common after exposure to adhesives (superglue) and organic solvents (charcoal lighter fluid, paint thinner, furniture stripper, and nail polish remover).
    
10. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
    Urushiol, a sticky substance found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, can cause redness, itchiness, hives, and blisters – but only in susceptible individuals.

Give your allergist in Scottsdale a hand. Put these items on your list of usual suspects. Take them out of commission and reduce your skin allergy risk today!

Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD. Top 10 Skin Allergy Triggers.  Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergy-photos/top-10-skin-allergy-triggers.aspx#01