Causes of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Cause | Examples |
|---|---|
Chemicals used in shoe or clothing manufacturing | Particularly agents used in leather and rubber processing, tanning agents in shoes, rubber accelerators and antioxidants in apparel (eg, gloves, shoes, underpants), formaldehyde in durable-press finishes, insecticide spray |
Cosmetics | Depilatories, nail polish, deodorant |
Dyes | Paraphenylenediamines (hair and textile dyes) |
Fragrances | Various compounds Ubiquitous in toiletries, soaps, and scented household products |
Industrial agents | Many compounds, including acrylic monomers, epoxy compounds, vat dyes, rubber accelerators, and formaldehyde (in plastics and adhesives) |
Ingredients in topical medications | Antibiotics (eg, bacitracin, neomycin) Antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine) Anesthetics (eg, benzocaine) Antiseptics (eg, thimerosal, hexachlorophene) Stabilizers (eg, ethylenediamine and derivatives) |
Latex | Latex gloves, condoms, catheters, balloons |
Metal compounds Nickel Chromates Cobalt Mercury | Numerous occupational exposures Personal items (eg, belt buckles, watch buckles, jewelry) |
Plants | Poison ivy, oak, and sumac; primrose; cashew shells; mango peel |