Benzophenone recently named contact allergen of 2014!
Now that summer is almost upon us, sunscreen allergy is a popular topic. Even more fitting is that benzophenone was recently named contact allergy of the year by the Contact Dermatitis society of North America.
What are Benzophenones?
- Chemical UV light absorber used in sunscreen, hair spray, shampoo, detergent bars, nail polish and plastic lens filters.
- Originally used before the 1950's to extend the life of paints and varnishes, in the 1950's it was introduced into sunscreen.
- Can you believe that benzophenones now rank as one of the most 4 common agents used in personal care products according to a recent article in Dermatitis!
- It also ranks as one of the top chemicals to cause allergy!
What type of reaction can you have from Benzophenone?
- Applying products with benzophenone can lead to:
- a local rash
- a rash that come out when the sun hits it (photosensitivity),
- itchy bumps like hives
- a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis.
What should you do if you suspect you have Benzophenone allergy?
- Talk to your allergist about being tested for chemical allergies.
- Benzophenone allergy is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis.
Want to read more about Benzophenone Allergy?
- Sunscreen Allergy
- http://www.skinandallergynews.com/single-view/benzophenones-named-2014-contact-allergen-of-the-year/cb086f7e351cccbcfd9dbf5fa806762b.html
- http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/benzophenone-allergy.html
Need further help with an suspected benzophenone allergy? We do patch testing in the office to all components of sunscreen.
Call us 212-679-3574 or click here to schedule an appointment.
No comments:
Post a Comment