Over 25% of all over-the-counter children's skin care products contain foods that are common allergens. Tree nuts were the most common allergen, found in 14% of all the skin care products. Hydrolyzed soy was in 9% of the products, wheat in 5%, milk in 4%, and peanut oil in less than 1%. No product contained peanuts or eggs.
Parents of children with food allergies need to be careful when selecting skin care products for their children. According to Dr. Kelly K. Newhall, of Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, "There are reports in the literature of children developing hives and other skin reactions to skin care products containing foods to which they are allergic."
"Have parents read labels and stick with skin care products that don't contain the common allergenic food and that do not contain a fragrance, because we don't necessarily know what 'fragrance' means," she said. Lotions, creams, and oils were most likely to contain food products. Powders and baby wipes were the least likely.
Family Practice News, 7/15/04.
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