EPIDEMIC OF SKIN ALLERGIES
Dermatologists are extremely worried about the epidemic of allergies in the last few years, especially those affecting the skin. A particular chemical came under suspicion back in July 2013 when a report in the Daily Telegraph alerted the public to a preservative known as MI (Methylisothiazolinone ) that is used in a wide range of personal care products such as shampoos, body lotions, deodorants, moisturisers, shower gels and even baby wipes. This chemical substance is a powerful synthetic biocide that was initially used in paints, adhesive/glues and industrial cleaners etc. to kill unwanted growth of bacteria, yeasts, mould and viruses in order to extend their shelf life; without them the products would be unusable after about two weeks from being opened.
Since 2005, MI has been used not only in cosmetics but also in household cleaners and liquid laundry products. It was previously mixed with another preservative, methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) but concerns about MCI causing allergies meant some manufacturers started using MI on its own but at a much higher concentration. Dermatologists are warning people that with these higher doses than before there has been a steep rise in allergies known as contact dermatitis where the skin becomes red and itchy and can sting and blister.
Dermatologists are extremely worried about the epidemic of allergies in the last few years, especially those affecting the skin. A particular chemical came under suspicion back in July 2013 when a report in the Daily Telegraph alerted the public to a preservative known as MI (Methylisothiazolinone ) that is used in a wide range of personal care products such as shampoos, body lotions, deodorants, moisturisers, shower gels and even baby wipes. This chemical substance is a powerful synthetic biocide that was initially used in paints, adhesive/glues and industrial cleaners etc. to kill unwanted growth of bacteria, yeasts, mould and viruses in order to extend their shelf life; without them the products would be unusable after about two weeks from being opened.
Since 2005, MI has been used not only in cosmetics but also in household cleaners and liquid laundry products. It was previously mixed with another preservative, methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) but concerns about MCI causing allergies meant some manufacturers started using MI on its own but at a much higher concentration. Dermatologists are warning people that with these higher doses than before there has been a steep rise in allergies known as contact dermatitis where the skin becomes red and itchy and can sting and blister.
Rash on the back
WORST OUTBREAKS EVER SEEN
Dr John McFadden, consultant dermatologist at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, said: “We are in the midst of an outbreak of allergy to a preservative which we have not seen before in terms of scale in our lifetime. It is one of the worst outbreaks of allergy to cosmetic products I have ever seen. Many of our patients have suffered acute dermatitis with redness and swelling of the face.”
The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded in 2013 that the use of MI in leave-on products was not safe due to its sensitising potential. The SCCS reviewed the literature but it was not until July 2015 that they banned the use of MI in Europe in all new leave-on products. At the same time they also lowered the permitted concentration for rinse-off products but the chemical continues to be present in some other beauty products more than two years after scientists called for it to be banned, even those that claim to have been ‘approved by dermatologists’.
Dr John McFadden, consultant dermatologist at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, said: “We are in the midst of an outbreak of allergy to a preservative which we have not seen before in terms of scale in our lifetime. It is one of the worst outbreaks of allergy to cosmetic products I have ever seen. Many of our patients have suffered acute dermatitis with redness and swelling of the face.”
The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded in 2013 that the use of MI in leave-on products was not safe due to its sensitising potential. The SCCS reviewed the literature but it was not until July 2015 that they banned the use of MI in Europe in all new leave-on products. At the same time they also lowered the permitted concentration for rinse-off products but the chemical continues to be present in some other beauty products more than two years after scientists called for it to be banned, even those that claim to have been ‘approved by dermatologists’.
Dr David Orton of the British Association of Dermatologists observed: ‘The lack of urgency some manufacturers have shown in removing MI from products is hugely disappointing. Consumers should be aware of the inertia of the manufacturers.’
RISK OF SEVERE REACTION
Once sensitised, sufferers should avoid MI completely or risk increasingly severe allergic reactions. Although clear labelling means they can identify which beauty products it is in, consumers should be aware that MI is routinely added to washing-up liquid, household cleaners and wall paints, none of which require labelling.
Doctors warn that exposure to MI, is still too high. Even the labels on treatment creams should be read carefully to ensure they do not contain any of these isothiazolinone preservatives.
RISK OF SEVERE REACTION
Once sensitised, sufferers should avoid MI completely or risk increasingly severe allergic reactions. Although clear labelling means they can identify which beauty products it is in, consumers should be aware that MI is routinely added to washing-up liquid, household cleaners and wall paints, none of which require labelling.
Doctors warn that exposure to MI, is still too high. Even the labels on treatment creams should be read carefully to ensure they do not contain any of these isothiazolinone preservatives.
Leg rash
Allergy to methylisothiazolinone is extremely common. Experts say the chemical is second only to nickel in causing contact allergies. One in twelve adults and one in five children in the UK now have eczema, of which contact dermatitis is one of the most common types. More extensive and severe whole body contact dermatitis may occur in very sensitive people.
In Britain the problem has cost the NHS £ millions and left thousands of patients at risk of future reactions.
So buyers beware! Don’t be fooled by products calling themselves ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ as these terms are meaningless; ‘hypoallergenic’ products may still contain a host of allergens. Remember, the consumer is the one who can bring the most pressure to bear on cosmetic manufacturers by simply refusing to buy products that contain harmful allergens; that way they will soon get the message!
In Britain the problem has cost the NHS £ millions and left thousands of patients at risk of future reactions.
So buyers beware! Don’t be fooled by products calling themselves ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ as these terms are meaningless; ‘hypoallergenic’ products may still contain a host of allergens. Remember, the consumer is the one who can bring the most pressure to bear on cosmetic manufacturers by simply refusing to buy products that contain harmful allergens; that way they will soon get the message!
PRODUCTS THAT NEED TO BE CHECKED
* Wipes – Hygiene products for adults children and babies
* Hair products – Regular and specialist shampoos
* Shaving products – Even for sensitive skin
* Soaps and gels – Shower and body moisturising products and deodorants
* Skin care products – Moisturising creams, hand creams, and sun tan lotions
* Household products – Liquid laundry soaps and washing-up liquids
TREATMENT WHICH CAN HELP ALLERGY SUFFERERS
A cream based on emu oil has proved very effective in treating allergies caused by MI and similar isothiazolinone preservatives, after which pure coconut oil will help to soothe and restore the damage done to the skin.
SITES FOR REFERENCE
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3132647/Is-skin-chemical-attack-designer-cosmetic-brands-contain-danger-ingredient-TWO-YEARS-doctors-raised-alarm.html#ixzz4UFWiHDi5
http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Regulation-Safety/EC-ban-on-MIT-preservative-in-leave-on-cosmetics-approved
* Wipes – Hygiene products for adults children and babies
* Hair products – Regular and specialist shampoos
* Shaving products – Even for sensitive skin
* Soaps and gels – Shower and body moisturising products and deodorants
* Skin care products – Moisturising creams, hand creams, and sun tan lotions
* Household products – Liquid laundry soaps and washing-up liquids
TREATMENT WHICH CAN HELP ALLERGY SUFFERERS
A cream based on emu oil has proved very effective in treating allergies caused by MI and similar isothiazolinone preservatives, after which pure coconut oil will help to soothe and restore the damage done to the skin.
SITES FOR REFERENCE
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3132647/Is-skin-chemical-attack-designer-cosmetic-brands-contain-danger-ingredient-TWO-YEARS-doctors-raised-alarm.html#ixzz4UFWiHDi5
http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Regulation-Safety/EC-ban-on-MIT-preservative-in-leave-on-cosmetics-approved
