Cuts and scrapes are very common. Some antibiotic creams or ointments can cause an allergic contact dermatitis, such as Neosporin or Bacitracin. It is important to be aware of this an allergic skin reaction can be confused for a cut that is getting infected!
For more information on the allergen of the month feature, take a look at the... Read more
Certain individuals can have so-called irritant contact dermatitis from soaps, detergents, and cleaning products. These reactions are similar to allergic contact dermatitis but the skin does not have an allergic reaction but rather is directly irritated, leading to loss of normal barrier skin function and painful rash. These reactions can be... Read more
In susceptible individuals, poison ivy causes allergic contact dermatitis. While contact may be apparent and avoidable in many cases, it may not be so when clearing brush at the end of the season, and can cause breathing problems if an allergic person inhales smoke from burning brush with poison ivy. Interestingly, the compound that causes the... Read more
Nickel is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis has a different allergic mechanism from that which causes severe, immediate allergic reactions (like bee stings or peanuts). Reactions typically occur 24-48 hours after exposure as an itchy rash in the area exposed. Nickel isn’t only in 5 cent coins – it is a... Read more
Soy productsSoy is an excellent source of protein and is used in many prepared foods as a protein supplement or as a lower cost alternative to meat protein. Check the ingredients for ‘soy protein isolate’, ‘isolated soy protein’, ‘textured soy flour’, or other similar ingredients in frozen meat patties, some... Read more
