Chemical allergens and others
Nickel sulphate
Nickel is one of the most common metals in our environment, and is the most common contact sensitises world-wide. About 10% of all women are sensitive to nickel sulphate and react to metal objects in direct contact with the
skin.
Wool alcohols
Wool fat and wool alcohols are extensively used in cosmetic products and
topical medicaments such as ointments, creams, lotions and soaps. Wool alcohol is the fraction of lanolin in which the
allergen(s) are found. The structure of the allergen is unknown. Although lanolin is a weak sensitizer, allergy is not uncommon because of its frequent use on inflamed skin or as an emollient.
Neomycin sulphate
Neomycin sulphate is an
antibiotic in the aminoglycoside group that is used topically in ointments, creams, ear drops and nose drops. Neomycin sulphate consists of three different chemical substances, all of which are sensitizers. The neomycin sulphate patch test reaction often develops slowly and should be evaluated 4-5 days after application if possible.
Potassium dichromate
Soluble chromium salts may cause contact
dermatitis and are found in wet cement, chrome tanned leather, welding fumes, cutting oils and anti rust paints. Metallic chromium has an oxidized surface and no soluble chromium is released. The metal is thus non-allergenic.
Caine mix
Caine mix contains three anaesthetics for topical use - benzocaine, dibucaine hydrochloride and tetracaine hydrochloride. Caine mix anaesthetics are used in
medicaments that reduce
pain, itching and stinging. They are also found in haemorrhoidal preparations and cough syrups. Caines are moderate sensitizers, but are often used on inflamed skin, and therefore
allergic sensitization is not uncommon.
Fragrance mix
Fragrance mix contains eight common fragrances, also known to be sensitizers - cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol, alpha-amylcinnamic aldehyde, isoeugenol, geraniol, hydroxycitronellal and oak moss. The perfumes of the fragrance mix occur in most toiletries, soaps, after shave lotions, shampoos, scented
household products and in many industrial products such as cutting fluids.
Colophony
Colophony is a resin obtained from different conifer species. It is found in adhesive, tape, sticker sealant, lacquers, varnishes, cosmetics, soldering materials, and many industrial products. Paper contains small amounts of colophony. The
allergens of colophony are not altogether known, but are assumed to be present among the resin acids, which are main ingredients of colophony or among their oxidation products. A mixture of colophonies of different origin is an excellent clinical indicator of
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