Contact dermatitis to hydrolyzed wheat protein

Food allergens in skincare products marketed for children

BACKGROUND

The application of preparations containing food allergens can cause percutaneous sensitization and provocation. The prevalence of food allergens in children's cosmetics is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the prevalence of food allergens in skincare products marketed for children and their association with marketing claims and product price.

METHODS

We reviewed 276 skincare product ingredient labels for the presence of milk, eggs, wheat, soy, oats, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame.

RESULTS

More than one-third (108; 39.1%) of the products listed at least one allergen. A total of 156 allergens were recorded, of which 65 (41.7%) were almonds, 35 (22.4%) wheat, 24 (15.4%) soy, 16 (10.3%) oats, 13 (8.3%) sesame, 2 (1.3%) milk, and 1 (0.6%) peanuts. Products that claimed to be "natural" or "ecological" were more likely to contain food allergens than those not labelled so (P < .001). The prices were higher for products containing food allergens compared with allergen-free products (P = .028).

CONCLUSIONS

Food allergens are prevalent in children's cosmetics, especially those that claim to be natural or ecological. The most incorporated food allergens are almonds, wheat, and soy. Products containing food allergens cost more than allergen-free ones.

Natural ingredients in cosmetic products-A suggestion for a screening series for skin allergy

BACKGROUND

Naturally derived cosmetic product ingredients of both plant and animal origin are being included increasingly in product formulations in order to cater to consumer preferences. They may be an overlooked cause of reactions to cosmetic products in some patients with dermatitis.

OBJECTIVES

To identify naturally derived cosmetic product ingredients with allergenic potential (type I and type IV) and propose a cosmetic screening test series.

METHODS

The study was conducted in two steps. The first step was a market survey using a nonprofit application helping consumers avoid problematic substances in cosmetic products. The application contained 10 067 cosmetic products that were label checked for naturally derived cosmetic product ingredients. The second step was a literature search to examine how frequently the naturally derived ingredients were described and related to allergic reactions in cosmetics or other topically administered products.

RESULTS

We identified 121 different naturally derived cosmetic product ingredients that were included in at least 30 cosmetic products. In total, 22 ingredients were selected for a screening test series.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose a supplemental patch test and a prick test screening series with naturally derived cosmetic product ingredients for patients with skin reactions to cosmetic products, aiming to identify a cause in more patients than is currently possible.

Safety Assessment of Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten as Used in Cosmetics

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed the product use, formulation, and safety data on hydrolyzed wheat protein and hydrolyzed wheat gluten, which function as skin- and hair-conditioning agents. The Panel determined that data from clinical and laboratory studies were sufficient to demonstrate that these ingredients will not elicit type 1 immediate hypersensitivity reactions in sensitized individuals and will not induce sensitization when the polypeptide lengths of the hydrolysates do not exceed 30 amino acids. The Panel concluded that hydrolyzed wheat gluten and hydrolyzed wheat protein are safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to restrict peptides to an average molecular weight of 3,500 Da or less.

Prevalence and risk factors for allergic contact dermatitis to topical treatment in atopic dermatitis: a study in 641 children

BACKGROUND

There is little information regarding the risk of sensitization associated with topical atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the frequency of sensitization to topical treatment of AD in children and to determine risk factors associated with skin sensitization.

METHODS

Six hundred and forty-one children with AD were systematically patch tested with seven agents of common topical treatment: chlorhexidine, hexamidine, budesonide, tixocortol pivalate, bufexamac, sodium fusidate and with the current emollient used by the child. The following variables were recorded: age, sex, age at onset of AD, associated asthma, severity of AD, and history of previous exposure to topical agents used in the treatment of AD. Skin prick tests to inhalant and food allergens were used to explore the IgE-mediated sensitization.

RESULTS

Forty-one positive patch tests were found in 40 patients (6.2%). Allergens were emollients (47.5%), chlorhexidine (42.5%), hexamidine (7.5%), tixocortol pivalate and bufexamac (2.5% each). Risk factors associated with sensitization to AD treatment were AD severity [OR: 3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.5-7.1 for moderate to severe AD], AD onset before the age of 6 months (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2-6.1), and IgE-mediated sensitization (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1-5.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Topical treatment of AD is associated with cutaneous sensitization. Antiseptics and emollients represent the most frequent sensitizers and may be included in the standard series in AD children when contact dermatitis is suspected. Risk factors associated with sensitization to AD topical treatments are AD severity, early AD onset and IgE-mediated sensitization.