Since 2000, the American Contact Dermatitis Society names an “Allergen of the Year” to draw attention to chemicals often causing contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is an allergy that has a different mechanism than allergies like hay fever or peanut, which are often immediate in the onset of symptoms. Contact dermatitis is a delayed allergic reaction and usually arises 24-48 hours after exposure. It produces an itchy red rash that can blister, and it often takes several days to weeks for the rash to dry up and flake off.
Methylisothiazolinone (MI) was announced as the 2013 Allergen of the Year in the journal Dermatitis earlier this year. MI is a biocide often used to control mold or bacterial growth. If a cosmetic product has water in it, it has to have a preservative like MI so bacteria will not grow. MI can be found in some face creams, mascaras, shampoos, body washes and even wet wipes.
Rashes can be caused by a number of things, including chemicals like MI. If you have a persistent skin rash, be sure to call us at 803.329.6030 or book your appointment online.
Past Contact Dermatitis Society Allergens of the Year:
2000 Disperse blue dyes
2001 Gold
2002 Thimerosal
2003 Bacitracin
2004 Cocamidopropyl betaine
2005 Corticosteroids
2006 Paraphenylenediamine
2007 Fragrance
2008 Nickel
2009 Mixed dialkyl thiourea
2010 Neomycin
2011 Dimethyl fumarate
2012 Acrylates
2013 Methylisothiazolinone