What's New In Skin Allergy in NYC?

I just returned from the American Contact Dermatitis Society 27th Annual Meeting  in Washington DC. This entire day was focused on new and emerging trends in skin allergy including hot topics in contact dermatitis. I was surrounded by experts from around the world in contact dermatitis- we shared patient stories and brainstormed about difficult cases.  I learned so much and am excited to bring back this information to you my patients in NYC.

One exciting new development for my patients with contact dermatitis is the introduction of the American Contact Dermatitis Society's new app for CAMP.   It's a free and easy way of using your product list in stores.

If I've created a safe product list for you, put your search codes (found in the upper left hand corner) and you're set to go.  A word of caution, as products formularies are updated, the list won't automatically update.  This app is easy to use and you can create favorite lists of your "safe" products.  I  know you'll find this helpful and a welcome addition to your safe list.


Some of the topics discussed were: 
Emerging sensitizers in contact dermatitis
The role of the skins microbiome in the development of contact dermatitis
Phenylenediamine allergy
Patch testing in pediatric patients
Food patch testing

Announcing the Contact Allergen of 2016!Announcing the Contact Allergen of the Year

There they announced the 2016 contact allergen of the year- Gold Sulfate.   More on this from the blog coming soon.  These contact allergens are important sensitizers in our personal care products. One in four people are sensitized to commonly used products like shampoos, soaps, make ups and lotions.

Past winners have included:

• 2015 - Formaldehyde^[2]
• 2014 - Benzophenones^[3][4]
• 2013 - Methylisothiazolinone^[5] - This chemical is used as a preservative in many cosmetics, lotions, and makeup removers; some of its side effects include flaky or scaly skin, breakouts, redness or itchiness, and moderate to severe swelling in the eye area.
• 2012 - Acrylate^[6][7]
• 2011 - Dimethyl fumarate^[8][9] - Dimethyl fumarate is the chemical associated with 'poisoned chairs' and 'toxic sandals'.
• 2010 - Neomycin (antibiotic)^[10][11]
• 2009 – Mixed dialkyl thiourea^[12][13] - Neoprene rubber is a common source.
• 2008 – Nickel^[14][15]
• 2007 – Fragrance^[16]
• 2006 – p-Phenylenediamine^[17][18] - PPD is the hair dye chemical that is used to augment black henna tattoos. It has been shown to cause severe blistering and scarring, and its topical use is banned in some countries.
• 2005 – Corticosteroids^[19]
• 2004 – Cocamidopropyl betaine ^[20][21]
• 2003 – Bacitracin^[22][23]
• 2002 – Thimerosal^[24]
• 2001 – Gold^[25][26]
• 2000 – Disperse Blue Dyes^[27]

I also learned that VMW hypoallergenics is introducing a Superskin-starts-here Set for people recently diagnosed with contact dermatitis.  This is designed to get you started with sample size products to reduce the possibility of irritation.@VMVinNYC

I'm brought back all of this information back to the practice and am excited to help those with skin allergy.

Schedule an appointment if you need help with your difficult to treat skin with our office.  Schedule an appointment here

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@gramercyallergy.com

Why do I have Itchy Water Blisters on My Hands and Feet?

Summer and warm weather bring oh so much fun!  Everyone wants to catch up, vacation and spend as much time outside as possible.  For some though, the warm weather causes the recurrence of itchy water filled blisters appearing on their hands and feet.  These blisters look like grains of tapioca coming out of the skin.  The itch can be intense! And can cause many sleep disturbance, social embarrassment and disruption.  Symptoms start with intense burning and itching on the hands and feet.  Scratching will cause the appearance of water blisters underneath the skin.  Skin can be red and wet appearing.  Symptoms without treatment last about 3-4 weeks and then reoccur. 

What Are These Itchy Water Filled Blisters?

·       For most these water filled blisters are caused by a form of eczema called dyshidrotic eczema.

·       Other causes may be from fungal infection and other autoimmune diseases and should be evaluated by an allergist or other physician.

 Taken from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1122527-overview

Taken from http://images.medicinenet.com/images/slideshow/eczema-atopic-dermatitis-s13-photo-of-dyshidrotic-eczema.jpg

Who's Affected by Dyshidrotic Eczema?

·       About 50% of persons with dyshidrotic eczema will have a history of other allergic diseases like eczema, and allergies in the nose, eyes, or/or asthma

·       It affects men and women equally.

·       First episodes typically start anywhere from the 20’s to 40’s and reoccur each spring/summer

What Causes Dyshidrotic Eczema?

·       Causes are varied:

o   dysfunction of the sweat gland on the hands and feet

o   chemical allergy to metals (nickel allergy, cobalt allergy), and products like Balsam of Peru, preservatives and sunscreens we use just during the warmer months

o   Exposure to sun can trigger the onset of symptoms.

o   Stress can also bring out blisters.

Is There Treatment for Dyshidrotic Eczema?

·        Treatment depends on the cause of symptoms.

o   Evaluation for chemical allergy and/or other environmental triggers should be done by an Allergist

o   Evaluation for possible food allergy by an Allergist

o   Evaluation for potential fungal and/or bacterial infection

·        Avoidance of offending agent is key in prevent.  Topical use of corticosteroids, topical antibiotics, and/or UV light therapy may be helpful in prevention. 

Do you need help with your dyshidrotic eczema?  Please book book an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Collins for specific advice

Want more information? Check out the  National Eczema Association