Oat and wheat as contact allergens in personal care products

Abstract

Oat and wheat are used as ingredients in various cosmetics and personal care products because of their moisturizing properties. Impaired barrier functions in atopic dermatitis (AD) may increase the risks of sensitization to oat and wheat proteins via skin. Immediate- and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions to oat and wheat in personal care products have been reported in previous studies, and most of those cases were patients with AD. Patch testing with oat and wheat proteins should be performed more frequently, especially in atopic children. It may help identify contact dermatitis, which may be a cause of flares in patients with AD. Complete avoidance of oat- or wheat-derived products is suggested as we cannot conclude that some oat- or wheat-derived components such as oils are free of protein.