From the Guidelines
The most common contact allergens are fragrances, preservatives, and nickel.
Common Allergens
- Fragrances are a common cause of contact allergies, with a prevalence of contact allergy to fragrances estimated to be around 37% in the general population in Europe 1.
- Preservatives, such as those found in hand lotions or creams, can also cause contact allergies, although the exact prevalence is not specified in the provided evidence.
- Nickel is another common allergen, with a prevalence of contact allergy estimated to be around 14.5% in the general population in Europe 1.
Other Allergens
Other allergens that have been identified include topical antibiotics, rubber accelerators, chromate, epoxy resin, and Compositae 1.
Clinical Relevance
It is essential to identify and avoid the allergen to prevent chronicity and improve prognosis, particularly in cases of allergic contact dermatitis 1. Patch testing can be useful in identifying the specific allergen, especially in children with eczematous eruptions 1.
From the Research
Common Contact Allergens
The most common contact allergens can be categorized into several groups, including:
- Fragrances
- Preservatives
- Excipients
- Rubber chemicals
- Textile dyes
- Topical medications
- Metals and other biomedical device components 2
Specific Allergens
Some specific allergens that are commonly associated with contact dermatitis include:
- Methylisothiazolinone
- Fragrance mix I
- Balsam of Peru
- Quaternium-15
- Paraphenylenediamine
- Nickel
- Cobalt
- p-phenylenediamine (PPD) 3, 4, 5, 6
Allergen Distribution
The distribution of contact allergens can vary depending on the population being studied. For example:
- In males, soaps are a common source of contact allergens, while in females, hair care products are more commonly associated with contact dermatitis 3
- In healthcare workers, rubber accelerators are a common allergen 4
- Nickel is a common allergen in the general population, with a frequency of sensitization of 17.2% 6
Patch Testing
Patch testing is an important tool for diagnosing contact dermatitis and identifying specific allergens. However, it can be challenging to interpret patch test results, and supplemental allergen series may be needed in addition to a screening series 2, 4