Millions of Americans may be allergic to common ingredients in shampoos, conditioners, and household cleaning products. A Swedish thesis found that many more people than previously believed are allergic to oxidized linalool, a fragrance ingredient that can cause eczema.
Dermatologist Johanna Christensson, author of the thesis, found that 5 percent to 7 percent of people who underwent patch testing for allergies were allergic to linalool. That could mean that over fifteen million Americans may be suffering from eczema as a result of products they use every day.
“Linalool is found in 60 to 80 percent of the perfumed hygiene products, washing up liquids and household cleaning agents that can be bought in the nearest supermarket,” says Christensson, author of the thesis. “It can be difficult for people who are allergic to avoid these products.”
Nickel is the most common contact allergy that causes eczema, but oxidized linalool is third on the list.
“Linalool is present in many products around us, and this is probably the reason that contact allergy to this material is so common,” Christensson says. “Some people can shower with shower cream that contains linalool but never develop contact allergy, but we know that the risk increases as the exposure to the substance increases.”
Linalool is found naturally in lavender, mint and other plants. It breaks down when it comes into contact with oxygen. When it oxidizes, it can cause allergy.
“One way of trying to minimize exposure to oxidized linalool is to avoid buying large packs of soap and shower cream, and always try to replace the top after using a bottle,” Christensson says.
© 2009 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
|
