Immediate contact urticaria caused by hydrolysed wheat proteins in a child via maternal skin contact sensitization

Food allergens in skincare products marketed for children

BACKGROUND

The application of preparations containing food allergens can cause percutaneous sensitization and provocation. The prevalence of food allergens in children's cosmetics is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the prevalence of food allergens in skincare products marketed for children and their association with marketing claims and product price.

METHODS

We reviewed 276 skincare product ingredient labels for the presence of milk, eggs, wheat, soy, oats, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame.

RESULTS

More than one-third (108; 39.1%) of the products listed at least one allergen. A total of 156 allergens were recorded, of which 65 (41.7%) were almonds, 35 (22.4%) wheat, 24 (15.4%) soy, 16 (10.3%) oats, 13 (8.3%) sesame, 2 (1.3%) milk, and 1 (0.6%) peanuts. Products that claimed to be "natural" or "ecological" were more likely to contain food allergens than those not labelled so (P < .001). The prices were higher for products containing food allergens compared with allergen-free products (P = .028).

CONCLUSIONS

Food allergens are prevalent in children's cosmetics, especially those that claim to be natural or ecological. The most incorporated food allergens are almonds, wheat, and soy. Products containing food allergens cost more than allergen-free ones.

Natural ingredients in cosmetic products-A suggestion for a screening series for skin allergy

BACKGROUND

Naturally derived cosmetic product ingredients of both plant and animal origin are being included increasingly in product formulations in order to cater to consumer preferences. They may be an overlooked cause of reactions to cosmetic products in some patients with dermatitis.

OBJECTIVES

To identify naturally derived cosmetic product ingredients with allergenic potential (type I and type IV) and propose a cosmetic screening test series.

METHODS

The study was conducted in two steps. The first step was a market survey using a nonprofit application helping consumers avoid problematic substances in cosmetic products. The application contained 10 067 cosmetic products that were label checked for naturally derived cosmetic product ingredients. The second step was a literature search to examine how frequently the naturally derived ingredients were described and related to allergic reactions in cosmetics or other topically administered products.

RESULTS

We identified 121 different naturally derived cosmetic product ingredients that were included in at least 30 cosmetic products. In total, 22 ingredients were selected for a screening test series.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose a supplemental patch test and a prick test screening series with naturally derived cosmetic product ingredients for patients with skin reactions to cosmetic products, aiming to identify a cause in more patients than is currently possible.

Proposed ICDRG Classification of the Clinical Presentation of Contact Allergy

The International Contact Dermatitis Research Group proposes a classification for the clinical presentation of contact allergy. The classification is based primarily on the mode of clinical presentation. The categories are direct exposure/contact dermatitis, mimicking or exacerbation of preexisting eczema, multifactorial dermatitis including allergic contact dermatitis, by proxy, mimicking angioedema, airborne contact dermatitis, photo-induced contact dermatitis, systemic contact dermatitis, noneczematous contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, protein contact dermatitis, respiratory/mucosal symptoms, oral contact dermatitis, erythroderma/exfoliative dermatitis, minor forms of presentation, and extracutaneous manifestations.