Risk of allergy to food proteins in topical medicinal agents and cosmetics
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A Mouse Ear Model for Allergic Contact Dermatitis Evaluation
Published on: March 24, 2023
F Codreanu1, M Morisset, V Cordebar
1Service de Médecine Interne, Immunologie Clinique et Allergologie, Hôpital Universitaire de Nancy, 54035 Nancy.
Abstract:
The risk of allergy to food proteins in cosmetics and topical medicinal agents is poorly evaluated. IgE dependent contact urticaria and contact dermatitis are observed. Eleven cases (7 infants and 4 women) are reported. Wheat, egg, oats, milk, peanut proteins are incriminated by prick-tests or atopy patch-tests. Cases are related to a previous food allergy and other ones may indicate primary sensitization to topical creams mainly used for skin care of atopic dermatitis. A consecutive exercise induced anaphylaxis to wheat and a long lasting sensitization to wheat have been observed. A clear and accurate identification of food allergens in cosmetics and topical agents is necessary. Given the hyper-permeability of infant skin, topical products containing food proteins of known allergenicity are contra-indicated for neonates, and for infants with atopic dermatitis, which may be associated with skin hyper-permeability.
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