Allergies can present in many ways. Some people may deal with congestion and itchy eyes after a day in Woodward Park. Others may be more prone to red, itchy skin reactions, called contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes into contact with a substance it’s sensitive to, such as metals, fragrances or medications. Let’s look at each of those substances and where you might find them to help you limit your exposure.
Metals
Nickel is the most common source of metal allergies. You’re most likely to find the metal in jewelry, including:
- Bracelets
- Earrings
- Necklaces
- Rings
- Watchbands
You can also find the substance in clothing parts like belt buckles, buttons, zippers and bra hooks. While clothing and jewelry account for a lot of contact, nickel can be found in all sorts of everyday items, including but not limited to:
- Coins
- Cooking equipment and utensils
- Keys
- Razors
- Bathroom fixtures
- Musical instruments
- Certain foods
Checking the tags on clothing and jewelry and the materials or ingredient lists on foods and other items will help you avoid a significant percentage of nickel exposure. People with nickel sensitivity may want to consider a low-nickel diet, depending on the severity of their symptoms.
Fragrances
Although fragrance allergies are usually better described as sensitivities, strong odors can cause allergic symptoms or exacerbate asthma.[1] A few places you might find strong odors include perfumes and colognes, lotions, deodorants, air fresheners and strong cleaning products like bleach or scented sprays.
Looking for hypoallergenic or unscented body products, switching to natural cleaning products and implementing scent-free rules at your workplace will significantly lower your exposure to fragrances.
Medications
Topical medications like antibiotics, corticosteroids, anesthetics and propylene glycol are common causes of contact dermatitis.[2] Other possible causes include antifungal, anti-inflammatory and pain-relief creams or solutions, and cleansing or moisturizing products.
Your allergies should be documented in your medical chart to ensure your providers don’t prescribe medications that will cause a reaction. When buying an over-the-counter medication, double-check the ingredients list for any known allergens,
Taking an allergy test and tracking reactions will help you avoid further dermatitis outbreaks. Contact Eastern Oklahoma Ear Nose and Throat – Yale Office to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today.
[1] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2022). What is a sensitivity to scents? Ask the Allergist. https://community.aafa.org/db/ask-the-allergist/record/what-is-a-sensitivity-to-scents
[2] Choi, C., Vafaei-Nodeh, S., Phillips, J., & de Gannes, G. (2021). Approach to allergic contact dermatitis caused by topical medicaments. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 67(6), 414–419. https://doi.org/10.46747/cfp.6706414