“Paraben-free” does not mean good for Atopics

Cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity in patients with atopic dermatitis: reactivity to topical preservatives. Shaughnessy CN. et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Jan;70(1):102-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2013.08.046. Epub 2013 Nov 9.

Parabens are substances used as preservatives in cosmetics. They are being taken out because of uncertain systemic side effects – a precautionary measure: indeed parabens have been found in breast cancer lesions although the significance of this is unknown.

Individuals affected by Atopic Dermatitis (AD) apply more products (whether skin care and medicated) and the deficiency of the barrier contributes to increased exposure to the applied allergens.

Therefore, parabens can cause increased skin allergies (allergic contact dermatitis). However using paraben-free products and having no allergic reaction is by no means garranteed.

In this study 2543 patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis underwent patch testing: 342 patients had AD and 2111 didn’t

Results showed that patients with AD were more likely to have positive patch tests to the following: quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol.

However, there was no statistically significant difference for parabens, formaldehyde, or diazolidinyl urea.

CONCLUSION
Other preservatives called formaldehyde releasers (NOT Parabens) can cause allergic reactions (allergic contact dermatitis) in patients with AD.
“Paraben-free” is no garranty for safe skin care products in people with AD.

Article selection: Prof Dr Jean-Hilaire Saurat – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland