Chemical substances may cause eczema and allergy

Contact allergies stem from the immune system reacting to the small molecules of certain chemical substances.

At least ten percent of the Danish population are allergic to one or several chemical substances. The allergy-provoking substances are also known as allergens.

Allergens may be metals, preservatives, perfume, dyes/colorants or other ingredients that are common in everyday consumer products such as cosmetics, jewellery and cleaning agents. "Natural" substances such as essential oils and plants can also provoke contact allergy.

Many substances occur at the various work places. For instance, rubber chemicals often cause glove allergy among health care personnel.

The symptom og contact allergy is eczema.

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• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatment