36 Possible Allergies We Can Test For – Learn More About What They Are

If you have had dry, red, itchy, bumpy skin before, you most likely came in contact with something that you are allergic to. But how do you determine what that allergen was if you don’t know what you are allergic to? We can help.

Here at Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group, we offer an allergy patch test known as a T.R.U.E. TEST^® that covers a wide array of things an individual could be allergic to. This post will delve into what exactly we’re testing for in one convenient spot so you can make the educated decision if scheduling an appointment is the right choice for you.

If any of these allergens ring a bell to a time you have had an allergic reaction, call us at 805-658-9500 today.

The Top 20 Allergens We Test For:

1. Nickle Sulfate – With Nickle being one of the most common metals, it is mostly found on the surface of common metallic and metal plated items such as metal jewelry, watchbands, keys, tools, equipment, scissors, kitchen utensils, and coins.
2. Wool Alcohols – Obtained from the fleece of sheep, you can commonly find it in toiletries, cosmetics, and medicines.
3. Neomycin – It is a topical antibiotic found in prescribed medicine and over the counter first-aid material.
4. Chromium – A common metal in Earth’s crust, you can find this in cement, stainless steel, leather tanning, and cutting oils.
5. Caine Mix – Used for local anesthetics like Benzocaine, Tetracaine, and Dibucaine to numb or sooth the skin it is applied to.
6. Fragrance Mix – Found in sprays that are designed to make something smell pleasant (cologne, perfume, air fresheners, lotions).
7. Colophony – Comes from the sap of pine or juniper trees, it is most commonly found in makeups such as lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, foundation, and concealer. It’s also in sunscreen, diapers, and glues.
8. Paraben Mix – This product is a preservative used primarily in over-the-counter medications, cosmetics, personal care, and hygiene products.
9. Polyester – This is tested with our negative control patch. Nothing is coated on it, so if a reaction does occur, the allergen is the material the patch is made of.
10. Balsam of Peru – This resinous liquid is harvested from trees in Central America to create colas, perfume, shampoo, chocolate, wines, chewing gum, and many more.
11. Ethylenediamine dihydrochloride – Although you are unlikely to find this in your home, it is a clear liquid found in bleach activators, binders for printing ink, and fuel additives.
12. Cobalt – This shiny metal can be found on your keys, metal tools, spray paint, and even some B12 supplements.
13. Formaldehyde Resin – Around the house, you are likely to find this resin glues, surface coatings, and adhesives found on shoes and upholstery.
14. Epoxy – Things to avoid if allergic to this are art/construction materials, two-component paints/glues, and fiberglass construction.
15. Carba Mix – This material can be found in natural rubbers: rubber bands, headphones, hoses, condoms, elastic, toys, shoes, goggles, etc.
16. Black Rubber Mix – These rubber additives can be found in the rubber handles of tennis racquets, tires, watchbands, and goggles. Much like the carba mix.
17. Gold – Everybody loves gold. But if you have an allergic reaction, it could’ve been caused by gold plated jewelry, rheumatoid arthritis treatment, and even dental restorations.
18. Bacitracin – This antibiotic topical spread is used for general wound treatment and virtually all skin injuries.
19. Quaternium–15 – This preservative is primarily found in shampoo, soaps, general hygiene products, and makeup.
20. Thimerosal – Commonly used as an antiseptic, this can be found in vaccines, sprays, and some eye/nose medications.

And Many More…

Although the other 16 are not listed, they are very similar to the ones included in this list. Ranging from more plastics to more cosmetics, rest assured that when you use T.R.U.E. TEST^® you will have all the bases covered.

Figure Out What Makes You Itch Today

If any of these items listed reminds of a time when you began to have an allergic reaction but can’t quite put your finger on it, call 805-658-9500 today to schedule an appointment. You can also book an appointment online. Let’s figure out what has been making you itch.