Do you suffer from eczema?
I suffered from terrible eczema or atopic dermatitis as a child. My hands had tiny water blisters, peeled and were so raw at times, I had to wear white cotton gloves for protection. It was actually quite scary to see my own hands breaking down in front of me, not to mention the pain I experienced while waiting for them to heal. I digress. After reading about this study, I was reminded of my experiences as a child. Back then my parents didn't have the knowledge of avoidance of ingredients that could potentially flare or worsen my eczema. Fortunately today, we know more about eczema and possible ways to help avoid flares.
A recent article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology took a look at the incidence of patients who both suffered from atopic dermatitis and patch tested positive to surfactants cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), cocamide diethanolamide (DEA), or to the surfactant precursor amidoamine.
Out of 1,674 patients, 242 patients who suffered from atopic dermatitis tested positive to either CAPD, DEA or amidoamine.
An association was made between atopic dermatitis and contact hypersensitivity to cocamidopropylbetaine. So basically, if you suffer from atopic dermatitis, you should avoid skin care products containing cocamidopropylbetaine.
Although the study focused on and was limited to 2 cities, I think it is worthy to take note of these findings, especially if avoidance of this ingredient is something you have the power to control. I have to remember medicine is not an exact science, and if there are simple things I can do like shopping for a different cleanser which can help me avoid skin issues, I will do it.
What would you do if your child or significant other suffered with eczema? Would you steer clear of buying products containing this ingredient?
In case you’re wondering what surfactants are, surfactants are ingredients that reduce the surface tension of a liquid between something else, like another liquid or a solid. Commonly known as foaming agents, they are found in cleansers of all sorts including body washes, liquid cleansers, shampoos, conditioners and cleaning solutions. They work with water to help remove dirt and grease from the skin, dishes, clothes, glasses, you name it. If you’re shopping and trying to avoid cocamidopropylbetaine, be on the lookout for some of the other names it goes by. Keep in mind ingredient names can change anytime:
COCAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYL GLYCINE, COCONUT DIETHANOLAMIDE, COCOAMIDE DEA, COCONUT OIL ACID DIETHANOLAMIDE, CAPB
Just remember, the best way to find out if a product contains an ingredient, is to contact the product’s manufacturer.
I actually don't mind scoping out my cleanser ingredient labels for CAPB as I'll be ridding myself of another synthetic ingredient in the products I use while hopefully keeping my rash issues to a minimum.
Let me know what you're presently using and if you decide to change anything. Peace out skin ravers,
L