Allergen of the Year is an annual "award" voted upon by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. The purpose of the award is "to draw attention to the agents causing the most significant clinical effects, those that are underrecognized and those that have become obsolete or for which exposure patterns have changed". [1]
Year | Allergen | Description | References |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Lanolin | Natural wax from sheep's wool, often used in skincare products. | [2] |
2022 | Aluminium | Common metal. | [3] |
2021 | Acetophenone azine | Compound found in EVA foam used in sporting equipment and footwear. | [4] [5] |
2020 | Isobornyl acrylate | Used in medical devices for diabetes patients. | [6] [7] |
2019 | Parabens (selected as a non-allergen) | "One of the least allergenic preservatives available". | [8] [9] |
2018 | Propylene glycol | Used in foods and cosmetics | [10] |
2017 | Alkyl glucoside | – | [11] |
2016 | Cobalt | Metal | [12] |
2015 | Formaldehyde | Preservative | [13] |
2014 | Benzophenones | – | [14] [15] |
2013 | Methylisothiazolinone | This chemical is used as a preservative in many cosmetics, lotions, and makeup removers; some of its side effects include flaky or scaly skin, breakouts, redness or itchiness, and moderate to severe swelling in the eye area. | [16] |
2012 | Acrylate | – | [17] [18] |
2011 | Dimethyl fumarate | Dimethyl fumarate is the chemical associated with 'poisoned chairs' and 'toxic sandals'. | [19] [20] |
2010 | Neomycin | Antibiotic | [21] [22] |
2009 | Mixed dialkyl thiourea | Neoprene rubber is a common source. | [23] [24] |
2008 | Nickel | Cheap metal | [25] [26] |
2007 | Fragrance | – | [27] |
2006 | p-Phenylenediamine | PPD is the hair dye chemical that is used to augment black henna tattoos. It has been shown to cause severe blistering and scarring, and its topical use is banned in some countries. | [28] [29] |
2005 | Corticosteroids | – | [30] |
2004 | Cocamidopropyl betaine | in shampoos and soaps | [31] [32] |
2003 | Bacitracin | Antibiotic | [33] [34] |
2002 | Thimerosal | Well-established antiseptic and antifungal agent. | [35] [36] |
2001 | Gold | Precious metal used in jewelry. | [37] [38] |
2000 | Disperse blue dye | Dye used to color synthetic textiles. | [39] [40] |
Propylene glycol (IUPAC name: propane-1,2-diol) is a viscous, colorless liquid, which is nearly odorless but possesses a faintly sweet taste. Its chemical formula is CH3CH(OH)CH2OH. As it contains two alcohol groups, it is classed as a diol. It is miscible with a broad range of solvents, including water, acetone, and chloroform. In general, glycols are non-irritating and have very low volatility.
p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(NH2)2. This derivative of aniline is a white solid, but samples can darken due to air oxidation. It is mainly used as a component of engineering polymers and composites like kevlar. It is also an ingredient in hair dyes and is occasionally used as a substitute for henna.
Contact dermatitis is a type of acute or chronic inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to chemical or physical agents. Symptoms of contact dermatitis can include itchy or dry skin, a red rash, bumps, blisters, or swelling. These rashes are not contagious or life-threatening, but can be very uncomfortable.
Quaternium-15 is a quaternary ammonium salt that has been used as a surfactant and preservative. It acts as an antimicrobial agent because it slowly releases formaldehyde, which is a preservative with biocidal properties.
Dyshidrosis is a type of dermatitis that is characterized by itchy blisters on the palms of the hands and bottoms of the feet. Blisters are generally one to two millimeters in size and heal over three weeks. However, they often recur. Redness is not usually present. Repeated attacks may result in fissures and skin thickening.
Bronopol is an organic compound that is used as an antimicrobial. It is a white solid although commercial samples appear yellow.
A patch test is a diagnostic method used to determine which specific substances cause allergic inflammation of a patient's skin.
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is a mixture of closely related organic compounds derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. CAPB is available as a viscous pale yellow solution and it is used as a surfactant in personal care products and animal husbandry. The name reflects that the major part of the molecule, the lauric acid group, is derived from coconut oil. Cocamidopropyl betaine to a significant degree has replaced cocamide DEA.
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a form of contact dermatitis that is the manifestation of an allergic response caused by contact with a substance; the other type being irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).
Hydroxymethylpentylcyclohexenecarboxaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance known by the trade names Lyral, Kovanol, Mugonal, Landolal. It is found in some soaps, eau de toilettes, aftershaves and deodorants.
Diazolidinyl urea is an antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics. It is chemically related to imidazolidinyl urea which is used in the same way. Diazolidinyl urea acts as a formaldehyde releaser.
Thiuram disulfides are a class of organosulfur compounds with the formula (R2NCSS)2. Many examples are known, but popular ones include R = Me and R = Et. They are disulfides obtained by oxidation of the dithiocarbamates. These compounds are used in sulfur vulcanization of rubber as well as in the manufacture of pesticides and drugs. They are typically white or pale yellow solids that are soluble in organic solvents.
A formaldehyde releaser, formaldehyde donor or formaldehyde-releasing preservative is a chemical compound that slowly releases formaldehyde. Formaldehyde-releasers are added to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life. The intent of these compounds is that they release formaldehyde at levels that suppress microbial growth but sufficiently low to not threaten humans. The use of these chemicals in cosmetics has elicited controversy.
Eyelid dermatitis is commonly related to atopic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis. Volatile substances, tosylamide, epoxy hardeners, insect sprays, and lemon peel oil may be implicated, with many cases of eyelid contact dermatitis being caused by substances transferred by the hands to the eyelids.
Tixocortol pivalate is a corticosteroid. It has anti-inflammatory properties similar to hydrocortisone. It is marketed under the brand name Pivalone.
Iodopropynyl Butyl Carbamate (IPBC) is a water-soluble preservative used globally in the paints & coatings, wood preservatives, personal care, and cosmetics industries. IPBC is a member of the carbamate family of biocides. IPBC was invented in the 1970s and has a long history of effective use as an antifungal technology.
Methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN) is a widely used preservative.
Nickel allergy is any of several allergic conditions provoked by exposure to the chemical element nickel. Nickel allergy often takes the form of nickel allergic contact dermatitis (Ni-ACD), a form of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Ni-ACD typically causes a rash that is red and itchy and that may be bumpy or scaly. The main treatment for it is avoiding contact with nickel-releasing metals, such as inexpensive jewelry. Another form of nickel allergy is a systemic form: systemic nickel allergy syndrome (SNAS) can mimic some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and also has a dermatologic component.
Para tertiary butylphenol formaldehyde resin also known as p-tert-butylphenol-formaldehyde resin (PTBP-FR) or 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl) phenol is a phenol-formaldehyde resin found in commercial adhesives, and in particular in adhesives used to bond leather and rubber. It has broad usage in a large variety of industries and can be found in many household items and textile products, and in particular it is used in the manufacture of shoes.
Lip licker's dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation around the lips due to damage by saliva from repetitive lip licking and is classified as a subtype of irritant contact cheilitis. The resulting scaling, redness, chapping, and crusting makes a well-defined ring around the lips. The rash may extend as far as the tongue can reach and usually does not occur at the corners of the mouth. It commonly occurs during winter months but some people can have it year-round if lip licking is a chronic habit.
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