Contact & proximity allergens

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Superficial skin inflammation may be resulted from direct contact with an allergen. Normally, the skin does not react to an allergen when exposed in the first time. Sometimes, it occurs with the second exposure, or it may take months or years and many exposures to an allergen for hypersensitivity to develop. Once sensitized, the skin will usually become inflamed within hours or days after contact. (more info on skin allergic reactions)

A lot of common household items contain chemicals, fragrances, metals or plant products that may result in contact allergy. Symptoms of skin allergies include:

• Reddening of skin
• Swelling
• Intense itching
• Small bumps or blisters
• Cracking, scaling and thickening of the skin, usually after repeated exposure

Symptoms / Problems	Possible Allergens
Rashes on the scalp, face, neck	Hair sprays, permanent hair dye, shampoos, sunscreens, cosmetics / makeup, perfumes, shaving cream, after shave lotions (may cause photosensitization), and acne medications.
Eyelid dermatitis	Nail polish
Lip allergy	Lipsticks, toothpastes, chapped lip medications
Armpit allergy	Deodorants, anti-perspirants
Allergy on the torso, arms, legs and hands	Dyes, elastic materials, fabric finishes (such as sizing and permanent press), laundry detergents, fabric softeners, insecticides, and latex allergy.
Feet allergy	Dyes, rubber compounds, leather-tanning products in shoes, or elastic fibers in hosiery.
Other parts of the body	Fragrances (perfume dermatitis), bra fasteners, eyelash curlers, metallic eyeglass frames, synthetic waxes, and many other products that may touch the body.
Redness under the ears	Nickel used in jewelry and in ear-piercing instruments
Topical medications on the skin	Anesthetics containing benzocaine, dibucaine and other chemicals that end in “caine” Topical antibiotics such as neomycin and streptomycin Topical antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and promethazine Topical mercury compounds such as mercurochrome and merthiolate

Other items that may cause skin allergies:

1. Food / flavouring - Animal intestines, shrimps, cinnamon (used in baking), parsnips, garlic, onions, tomatoes, carrots and ginger

2. Solid wood furniture - Teak and African mahogany

3. Plants and vegetables - Primulas (primroses), philodendrons, tulip bulbs (result in a sensitivity known as “tulip fingers”), asters, chrysanthemums, English ivy, castor beans, oleanders, geraniums, poinsettias, magnolias, lilacs, narcissus, and other bulb plants etc.

Latex Allergy

Latex allergy may result in allergic shock (anaphylaxis). Natural rubber latex is a processed plant product derived mainly from the tree Hevea brasiliensis, found in Africa and South East Asia. Latex is used in medical supplies (including disposable gloves, airway and intravenous tubing, catheters, and syringes), condoms, erasers (rubbers), balloons, athletic shoe soles, automobile tyres, elastic underwear, leg and waist bands, children's toys, dummies and infant pacifiers.

Latex-allergy sufferers may also react to weeping fig (a common ornament) and to common foods such as bananas, avocados, papaya, peaches, nectarines, and chestnuts, due to cross-sensitivity.

Latex allergy occurs mainly in well-defined groups, such as healthcare and rubber-industry workers, and in people with bladder problems requiring permanent catheterization.