What's Scarier, The Halloween Costume OR The Allergic Response?

We are nearing Halloween.  Did you buy a costume yet?  If you haven't, it would be worth your time to consider which costumes and makeup use the most safe ingredients. Many Halloween costumes and makeup contain chemicals that are toxic for everyone....allergy or not!

WebMD predicts that approximately 10% of the people will experience an allergic reaction to cosmetics in their lifetime.  Parents need to carefully consider that the quality of Halloween cosmetics is more important than a low price.  The lower the price for Halloween cosmetics, the greater the risk that toxins may be present.

HealthyStuff.org tested many Halloween costumes and related products.  And the findings were interesting:

"We found that seasonal products, like thousands of other products we have tested, are often full of dangerous chemicals," according to Jeff Gearhart, research director at HealthyStuff.org. "Poorly regulated toxic chemicals consistently show up in seasonal products. Hazardous chemicals in consumer products pose unnecessary and avoidable health hazards to children, consumers, communities, workers and our environment."

Our testing found heavy metals and other additives are commonly found in Halloween costumes and accessories. These chemicals include lead, flame retardants, tin compounds and phthalates -- harmful chemicals that are linked to asthma, reproductive problems, developmental and learning disabilities, hormone problems and cancer.

Halloween costumes and makeup may contain lead, bromine (brominated flame retardants), chlorine (vinyl/PVC plastic), phthalates, arsenic, and tin (organotins). 

 

What Kind of Allergic Response Can Happen 

With Halloween Costumes?

Mayo Clinic, reports that allergic contact dermatitis happens when a person comes into regular contact with a substance they are sensitive or allergic to. In the case of Halloween costumes, metal accessories that rub on the skin could present a problem for some people.  This also must be considered for Halloween makeup, which goes directly onto the skin (the largest organ in the body).
In other words, parents really MUST consider the quality of the products they choose for Halloween costumes and accessories. One other tip MayoClinic suggests is to wear such accessories over clothing (to avoid skin contact) or to avoid purchasing such items at all.

 

 

Halloween Makeup Risks

Makeup
Joel Schlessinger ia a board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf.com adviser.  Schelssinger says that costume makeup often contains artificial dyes, fragrances, waxes and oils, all of which can clog pores, cause breakouts and irritate skin.

"Theater makeup is made with higher quality ingredients and has less risk of skin irritation. Most theater makeup has the same high pigment payoff, but it's designed to sit on the skin for long periods of time and tends to be gentler on skin. These cosmetics are also FDA-approved and free of harmful ingredients like lead"

  As with any unfamiliar makeup, you'll always want to perform a patch test on your neck or the underside of your arm to make sure you won't have a negative reaction," he added. "If you see signs of irritation, avoid putting the makeup on your face. Don't hesitate to see a doctor if the costume makeup gives your skin an itchy or blistering rash."

P.S. from Pam-Iron Oxide is one of my allergic trigger ingredients.  MOST cosmetics and makeup contain Iron Oxide as the coloring agent.  So if you have the same allergy as I do, AVOID Halloween makeup!!! The same goes for face painting.

 


Alternatives would be to use paint and pencils made from clay or other natural ingredients, or make your own.








Adhesives/Glues
 Answer this question: Would you put Crazy Glue or Elmer's Glue on your face? NO way!  Those glues can damage your complexion.  Buy only glues and adhesives that are approved for stage and theater use. When you apply fake eyelashes, be careful to keep the eyelash glue out of your eyes AND to avoid gluing your eyelids shut. A surprise trip to the emergency room would certainly ruin Halloween!



Fake Blood and Skin
Fake blood is often made with red dye and a petroleum base that can cause irritation to the skin. A better bet would be to make your own fake blood by using corn syrup, flour, and food coloring.
As far as fake/prosthetic skin, you can avoid skin irritation by buying higher quality theater props. The fake skin or prosthetics you will find in the party store will probably cause irritation.  Be aware that most of these products contain latex.  So be sure you aren't allergic to latex before you buy them.



Read more of Joel Schlessigner's advice here.

Do you want to check to see some of the costumes HealthyStuff.org tested?  Use this link. 


Have a happy and healthy Halloween!

 

iWatch, FitBit and Other Wearable Technology Risks Contact Dermatitis

Wearable technology, such as the FitBit and iWatch have made our lives much easier.  Wrist-worn devices like the Up, Force and Flex also offer water proof wearability. How great is it to be able to keep track of your heartrate, the calories burned, your blood pressure and your GPS location with one little item that is strapped onto your wrist? What a great way to save time and effort!

Wearable Technology Could Save Our Health

Source: CheapNurseDegrees.com



The Fitbit Force has been a  popular trend of wearable tech that was recently recalled.
The Fitbit Force wearable is officially off the market as of mid-Mar 2014, due to complaints of skin irritation, blistering, and contact dermatitis. Over 1 million FitBit units sold in the U.S. and Canada since October 2013. Since then, nearly 10,000 complaints of blistering and skin irritation were reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

“Based on our investigation, we are now confident that our users who experienced allergic contact dermatitis likely reacted either to very small levels of methacrylates, which were part of the adhesives used to manufacture Force or, to a lesser degree, nickel in the stainless steel casing,” read an open letter from Fitbit CEO and co-founder James Park.

Fitbit is offering a refund for customers who have experienced skin irritation caused by the device. Here is the company's full statement:

"We are looking into reports from a very limited number of Fitbit Force users who have been experiencing skin irritation, possibly as a result of an allergy to nickel, an element of surgical-grade stainless steel used in the device.

We suggest that consumers experiencing any irritation discontinue using the product and contact Fitbit at force@fitbit.com if they have additional questions. Customers may also contact Fitbit for an immediate refund or replacement with a different Fitbit product.

We are sorry that even a few consumers have experienced these problems and assure you that we are looking at ways to modify the product so that anyone can wear the Fitbit Force comfortably. We will continue to update our customers with the latest information."

One possibility for the skin irritations  is that users are wearing the Fitbit through the day, when sweat, soap and moisturizers are being trapped under the smartband, causing “contact dermatitis.”






The FitBit Help FAQ site has this statement:
Because Fitbit received reports of skin irritation from a small percentage of Force users, we have decided to stop sales of Force and conduct a voluntary recall. 

The iWatch Also Has Some User Complaints 

About Skin Irritation

 

Apple's iWatch Manual has the following statement:

Some versions of the watch and wristlets contain nickel and methacrylates. This is quite natural for a product of such type, and should not cause any problems, but if you are sensitive to these materials, you’d better reject magnetic wristlets.
If your skin becomes red, in case of edema, itch and other symptoms of irritation or allergic reaction, Apple recommends to contact your doctor before wearing the watch again.

Is There Any Other Explanation For 

Skin Rash Tied to Wearable Technology?

Some experts say that trapped moisture and bacteria are the most likely causes of the rash, not the nickel. Wearable technology like the Up, Force and Flex advertise their ability to be immersed in water.  So many users simply never take them off, even in the shower.


Dermatologist J. Todd Williams, M.D. explained, "there is one type of dermatitis called 'irritant' dermatitis that just comes from irritation from water/sweat etc..." So basically, a build up of moisture (and bacterial growth) is kept tight against the skin.  This can cause sores and rashes on those with particularly sensitive skin. These are likely the same people who  commonly experience similar reactions to watchbands, bracelets and rings. For instance, Williams says, newlyweds often complain of irritation from water being trapped under their rings while washing dishes. For the newlyweds, both experiences may be new: wearing the wedding ring and doing more domestic chores.



 The National Institute of Health says mild cases of allergic contact dermatitis can take days or weeks to disappear.  People experiencing  persistent rash and skin irritation should consult a dermatologist.

Help...I am allergic to my Musical Instrument

 Creating music is a satisfying way to bring beauty into our lives.  Some of us enjoy play musical instruments as a hobby, while others earn a living this way.

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent ― Victor Hugo 

What happens if you are allergic to 

your career or your hobby?

  Whether you are a weekend musician or a professional, there is a risk that you develop Contact Dermatitis by the musical instrument. (Read about Contact Dermatitis HERE)

Contact Dermatitis can be caused by cosmetics, metals, & jewelry.  Musical instruments present another source of irritation, since some of the components of instruments have metals that come in contact with the skin.

Although musical instruments are classified as Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion, and so on, most of them contain nickel on some areas.  And when there is ongoing skin contact with nickel, there is a greater risk for dermatitis to occur. 
 

A LIST OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS

IN VARIOUS INSTRUMENTS:

Brass instruments (flute, trombone, trumpet, tuba)

• Metals found in the instruments, such as nickel, cobalt, palladium, silver and gold, can cause contact dermatitis.
• Lip swelling can result from the pressure of forcing air through instrument mouthpieces.
• Infections of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and non-MRSA) and herpes simplex virus can spread through the sharing of mouthpieces.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis A, B and C also can be spread if instruments are not cleaned properly.

Woodwind instruments (bassoon, clarinet, oboe, saxophone)

• A variety of specific allergens are responsible for irritant contact dermatitis in these musicians.
  • Cane reeds
  • Chromium
  • Cobalt
  • Exotic woods
  • Nickel

• Lip swelling, infections and the spread of viruses (as described above) also can occur from playing these instruments.

String instruments (cellos, violas, violins)

• The composition of these instruments and products used with these instruments may contain allergens that can cause contact dermatitis in musicians.
  

  • Chromium
  • Exotic woods
  • Nickel
  • Paraphenylenediamine (staining agent for woods)
  • Propolis (bee glue), a component of Italian varnishes used in all Stradivarius violins
  • Rosin

                   Musicians At Risk For Common Skin Condition

I strongly suspect that many brass players actually may have borderline metal contact allergies but they just attribute the symptoms of feeling stiff or rubbery or general loss of control on just being “a bad day.” There are bad days to be sure, but the point to make very clearly to readers is that not every bad day is the result of overplaying or a bad warm-up or whatever. It really could be a metal sensitivity kicking in.

         
           John Ericson    Horn Matters

I have nickel allergy,  how do I

 avoid dermatitis from my musical instrument?

• Limit exposure to nickel, ask prior to purchasing if the instrument contains nickel, nickel plate, or copper/nickel alloy in the areas that will be in prolonged contact with the skin. If unsure, question sales personnel or manufacturers.  You may be allowed test items with Nickel Alert prior to purchase.
• The parts of musical instruments with which you have ongoing direct contact should be tested for nickel content. Wash mouthpieces after testing.
• Nickel Alert is safe to use as directed on any metal item.
• Consider testing: Keys, mouthpieces, guitar and cello strings, and tuners.

Perspiration from heat and humidity aid the transfer of nickel salts—the true culprit of nickel allergy—and increases the symptoms of the allergy.

                   http://athenaallergy.com/pages/nickel-allergy-and-musical-instruments

 So HOW Can I Keep Playing My Horn IF I Am Allergic To It?

 1. Make a change-if the musical instrument causes irritation due to friction or pressure, change the area of contact. For instance, wear protective gloves to reduce irritation to the fingers.

2. Find a replacement-if the musical instrument causes Contact Dermatitis, substitute that component.  Mouthpieces and guitar strings are available in different compositions that avoid nickel.






 Resources for Nickel-Free Mouthpiece Alternatives 

• 

   

  Giddings and Webster Mouthpieces
  

  
  

  Producing a complete line of mouthpieces for

  
  

  Trumpet, Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba

  Manufactured from the finest materials, making mouthpieces of the highest quality.

  Using surgical grade stainless steel and  titanium for our instrument mouthpieces.

  Played in professional orchestras, concert bands, marching bands, community bands, brass bands,

  jazz band, drum corps international, colleges, and highs schools.

  From amateur to avid pro Giddings and Webster has your mouthpiece needs covered.

Kelly Mouthpieces offers mouthpieces that are Stainless Steel, Silver Plated, and Plastic

 

 

  

 

 

It is important to reduce/eliminate further exposure to Nickel, once the skin shows irritation or Contact Dermatitis.  Further exposure will cause more frequent  and more severe allergic response.

 

 

 

Have you experienced an allergic response to a musical instrument?  Do you have other resources to recommend? I would love to hear from you.

 

 

 

Hyposensitization for Nickel and Iron Oxide Allergies

You're allergic to Nickel and Iron Oxide?!
Isn't there an allergy shot for that?

I heard those questions so many times from people who really cared about my struggles.  It's possible that many friends were surprised that an allergy to Nickel and Iron Oxide would flare up in my eyes, of all places.

 

And oh, how I searched and hoped that there was some kind of allergy shot, like the way people with hay fever are treated.  It is a great way to build the immune system.  But the mainstream answer to the question is "No, there isn't any allergy shot for this allergy."

 

 

  The following video contains information about allergies in general.  And I believe there are some points that can apply to Nickel and Iron Oxide Allergies.

  Attilio Speciani is an Allergist and Immunologist (Master in Milan University in 1990) ; Anaesthesiologist and E.R. Doctor (Master in Milan University 1982); Professor of Nutrition for two different Universities (Bologna, and Milan)
and is teaching in Milan for the "Master in Phytotherapy" and in Bologna for the "Master in Phytotherapy in Gastroenterology".

 

 

 

So is there new information on something that works like an allergy shot for Nickel Allergy?

What is HYPOSENSITIZATION?

Administration of a graded series of doses of an allergen to atopic subjects suffering from immediate-type hypersensitivity to it. This must be done with great care to avoid anaphylactic reactions. The aim is to increase the level of specific IgG antibodies and/ or to diminish the level of IgE antibodies

What is HYPOSENSITIZATION? (Science Dictionary)

 

Hyposensitization with Oral Nickel

Studies have confirmed the role and benefit of hyposensitization with oral nickel in nickel allergy. It has been noted that oral tolerance to nickel sensitization can be obtained by feeding with nickel sulfate in nickel sensitive individual, and this has opened a new area of investigation for the treatment of nickel allergy. The suggested mechanism for oral hypo- sensitization in nickel-sensitive individual is the stimulation of the suppresser T-cell production by antigen excess.

In two controlled studies (each including 24 patients with contact allergy to nickel), where each patient was orally treated with 5.0 mg nickel sulfate once a week for 6 weeks, the degree of contact allergy, measured as patch test reactions before and after nickel administration, was noted to be lowered significantly.  In a different study,  where 30 nickel sensitive cases were treated with oral nickel sulfate in a dose of 0.1 ng/day following a low nickel diet, showed complete disappearance of the symptoms after 1 year of treatment in 29 cases; the remaining patient showed a partial alleviation of symptoms. Oral provocation tests with these 30 patients showed an overall increase of tolerance. Patch tests showed no variation in the 20 cases; a diminution was observed in 5 cases and the patch tests were negative in 5. Similar type of results were obtained by Bagot et al .

             Relationship Between Nickel Allergy And Diet

^{And another study is reported by Dr. Juan Carlos Ivancevich}

In 2009, our group performed a clinical trial of oral hyposensitization therapy with low doses of nickel in 67 patients affected by systemic allergy to this sensitizer. All patients reported a significant benefit in regard to both cutaneous and systemic symptoms, with the reduction or absence of itching and partial or complete clearing of ACD after the first 4 weeks of treatment. In fact, 70% of the patients completed the increasing phase (10 weeks) and the maintaining phase with the following results after the reintroduction of a nickel-free diet: 67% reported a complete remission of symptoms; in 23%, a clinical improvement was noted, with the rare appearance of cutaneous or digestive symptoms of lower intensity; and three patients also reported a reduction in weight. Adverse reactions were observed only in 18 patients: 12 patients with primary cutaneous dermatitis reported mild itching, and 6 patients with gastrointestinal manifestations reported digestive disorders of low intensity.
This systemic therapy led to favorable results both in regard to cutaneous symptoms and in regard to gastrointestinal histologic modifications induced by nickel allergy, in contrast to all other therapies that could only act on the dermatitis.

           ^{Topical and Systemic Therapies for Nickel Allergy}

^{Researchers Have Discovered That A Homeopathic Psoriasis Treatment Helps With Hyposensitization Of Nickel Allergy}

 A Tulsa Dermatologist, Dr. Steven A. Smith, MD, FACP, was searching for a better way to treat patients with nickel jewelry allergy.  He  formulated Psorizide(R) Forte. "Psorizide(R) Forte is a prescription, biochemical homeopathic tablet that is safe and completely steroid free."

A clinical case study treating nickel allergic patients with oral nickel (Psorizide(R) Forte) has been completed with positive results. 81 percent (48 out of 59) successfully completed a 6 week course of nickel desensitization. All patients available for post-study analysis, 11 out of 11 (100 percent), stated that their nickel jewelry reaction had improved markedly. All patients were able to wear costume jewelry without any allergic reaction (data on file). "Psorizide(R) Forte is an effective, inexpensive, safe, and easy to use, unique prescription treatment. It is the first alternative treatment developed in decades for this problem and the only one that reverses the root cause," Dr. Smith said.  

^{Dermatologist Discovers 'Oral Nickel' Cures Most Common Jewelry Allergies}

 

 Hyposensitization for Nickel Allergy has been around since 1987.  It seems to have moved from the research phase to available treatment.  So it looks like a treatment worth discussing with my doctor. 


Have you been treated with Hyposensitization therapy? I would be interested in your experiences.