Allergy and Nutrition- Expanding our Practice

Over the past year I've written several posts on the role of nutrition and allergy.  It's an important topic to me and I often spend time with my patients learning about what they are eating to see if it might be affecting their health.

I'm so excited to announce that starting in September, we'll have a nutritionist in the office!  Her name is Stefanie Casillas, RD and she'll be starting with us every Thursday.  When I asked Stefanie about what she hoped to add to the practice she said, "My passion lies in helping clients learn to nourish their bodies and optimize their health. Whether your goal is to lose weight, manage blood sugar, live healthfully with food intolerance, or improve your overall nutrition, I would love to help your patients on their journey!"  I knew then she'd be the perfect addition.

A bit about Stefanie- her original background is in education in NYC where she worked as a teacher.  She decided to change career paths and became a dietitian at Beth Israel Medical Center.  Afterwards, she joined the staff at Beth Israel Medical Center as an inpatient nutritionist.  She's had extensive experience in teaching cooking classes and even working on a roof-top farm!

Whether you have questions for her like, how do I deal with food intolerance, food allergy or lose weight?  I know you'll love working with her and know a consultation with her will change your life in a positive way.

Want to schedule an appointment with Stefanie?  Call the office at 212-679-3574, www.gramercyallergy.com, or email me at jcollins@gramercyallergy.com

Roll out the Red Carpet....the winner is!

Each year the American Contact Dermatitis Society chooses an allergen of the year.  There's not as much pomp and circumstance as the Oscars but it's a big win.  This  award draws attention to allergens that are very common and/or under recognized.  Chemicals are chosen based on their prevalence in products and relevance of causing allergic reaction. 

The 2013 winner is..... 

Methylisothiazolinone

What is methylisothiazolone (MI)?

• MI was first introduced  in cosmetics, toiletry and suncreen products in 2005.
• It's used as a preservative to kill bacteria and fungus.
• In the 1980's, it was used in combination in high doses (15 ppm) with a preservative called methylcholoroisothiazolinine/methylisothiazolone in (MC/MI) "leave in" products like shampoo and conditioner
• After the MC/MI introduction about 8% of people had reactions to the recommended doses, and concentrations were reduced to 7.5 PPM in the late 80's and early 90's
• In 2000, MI was pulled out of the MC/MI combination with the hopes that it wouldn't be as strong of a cause of allergic reaction.  They thought it was a weaker sensitizer
• Even though they pulled it out, they didn't limit concentrations!  And concentrations increased by 25 X
• In 2004-5, the first case reports of MI allergy were described after wallpapering and using paint.
• Only 7 years ago, we started seeing reports of people developing allergic reactions in wet toilet paper
• Since 2007, the use of MI as a preservative has doubled along with reactions
• We currently don't know how common MI allergy is.

Where do you find  methylisothiazolone (MI)? - Almost any product that you'd put on your body.

• Cosmetics
• Baby products (lotions, oils, creams, and powder)
• Makeup
• Body Washes
• Hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, straighteners, rinses
• Hair coloring products 
• Nail care products
• Deodorants
• shaving products
• Skin care products
• Sunscreen
• Wet Wipes (babies, and moist towelettes)

When should you suspect you have a methylisothiazolone (MI) allergy?

• MI allergy is common but difficult to distinguish from other preservatives that are use in many personal care products.
• Consult an allergist/immunologist (Find an Allergist) or dermatologist if you have an itchy rash that won't go away.
• They'll perform patch testing and then you'll know!

Want more information?

• http://www.contactderm.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
• http://www.allergeaze.com/PDFs/AP/AP123-124.pdf
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylisothiazolinone
• Info on Contact dermatitis