The Girl Who Was Allergic to Water

“Teenage Girl Allergic to Water.” Sounds like a pretty sensational headline. I mean, can someone really be allergic to water? Read more

March 18, 2008 | Filed Under Allergies | 11 Comments

Itchy Rash? Stop Blaming Your Laundry Detergent

One of the first things that patients do when they develop an itchy rash is to change their laundry detergents to hypoallergenic or fragrance free. For some reason, it is widely believed that laundry detergent is a common cause of skin allergy. It’s not true. Read more

March 12, 2008 | Filed Under Allergies, Mini Med School: Derm 101, Rashes | 2 Comments

Allergic to Nickel? Eat a Nickel Free Diet.

People who are severely allergic to nickel, as from earrings or belt buckles, can actually develop a rash from eating foods high in nickel. Read more

March 9, 2008 | Filed Under Allergies, Mini Med School: Derm 101, Rashes | 5 Comments

Skin Care Myths: You Cannot Be Allergic to a Product You’ve Used for a Long Time

This is one of my favorites. I see several patients every day with a drug allergy or contact allergy; last week I saw a pleasant gentleman with an intractable itchy rash on his hands, arms, and abdomen. Read more

February 25, 2008 | Filed Under Allergies, Mini Med School: Derm 101, Rashes, Skincare Myths | Leave a Comment

Nickel Named Allergen of the Year

Forget the Oscars. The American Contact Dermatitis Society has just held its annual red carpet event — allergens of the year. The winner for the 2008 Allergen of the Year is … nickel.