Issue #043 - Formaldehyde Allergy
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This is the 43nd edition of the Eczema Bulletin. It will bring you articles and news about eczema, and also any updates to what-is-eczema.com. If you would like to add any suggestions for articles or news, or even add your own then I would love to hear from you.
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This month's Eczema Bulletin includes
- February's Featured Article – Formaldehyde Allergy
- My favourite eczema news article
- Tip of the Month
- 5 Ways To.....use licorice to manage your eczema
Formaldehyde Allergy
Formaldehyde is a chemical that is used in many products in our homes, and in some workplaces. In people who are sensitive to it, the reaction may show as allergic contact dermatitis.
It can be found in many products, many which you may be part of your life. Here is a list of the most common products that you may find in your home or at work.
- Fabrics. Some of your clothing may have been treated with formaldehyde resins. It is used to give clothing certain qualities, including anti-static, anti-wrinkle and to make them waterproof. It also tends to be found in clothing containing suede
- Toiletries. This includes bubble bath, shampoo, deodorant and mouthwash
- Cosmetics
- Tanning products
- Household products. Including disinfectants and everyday cleaners
- Paints and paint strippers
The best way to check if formaldehyde is present in something is to check the label.
Unfortunately,
it may be under a different name. Some of these names include:
- Formalin
- Methanal
- Methyl aldehyde
- Oxymethylene
If you're unsure if you have a sensitivity to formaldehyde, the best way to check is to have a patch allergy test done. You will also need to have a second test done to find out if you're allergic to the resins that are found in some clothing.
If you find that you're sensitive to the resin then there are a couple of things you can do.
- Wear loose fitting clothing that is made of 100% cotton or silk. They tend to contain less resin and are also great fabrics for eczema sufferers
- Before wearing any new clothing put them on a hot temperature wash in your washing machine
Formaldehyde is used in so many products, so if you find that you are sensitive to it I'd recommend getting a detailed list of all the products that contain it, to help you avoid it as much as
possible.
Eczema News Article
McDonald's in Canada have angered people with food allergies by starting to have menu items that contain nuts.
Before now they have only served nuts in products that are contained in sealed packaging. This has meant that anyone with a nut allergy were able to eat any of the items from the menu.
Because of this change McDonald's have had to issue a statement that warns “all products available at our restaurants may contain or come into contact with peanuts, tree nuts or other allergens.”
These other allergens haven't been clearly explained, so many sufferers of food allergies may have to avoid eating at McDonald's in Canada.
Tip Of The Month - A Super Dairy Free Recipe For Valentine's Day
If you're looking for an easy home-made dairy free Valentine's Day gift, then these Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Hearts could be just the thing. (Although you could just make them and eat them yourself!)
Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Hearts
- 3/4 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/4 Cup Margarine, softened or melted
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/8 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Plain Milk Alternative, any type
- 12 Ounce Bag of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 1 Bag Smallish Twisted Pretzels
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, margarine, and vanilla. Sift the powdered sugar and salt, and mix. The dough needs to be somewhat stiff and easy to shape, but if it is too stiff add 1 tablespoon of milk alternative, or more as needed. If it is actually too sticky, pop it into the fridge to chill for 30 minutes or so.
Melt the chocolate chips in a bowl. Start with half of them and melt more as needed.
Roll a small ball of the PB mixture, place it on top of a pretzel, and smash it down with another pretzel, making sure to line the two
pretzels up. If desired, fill in with additional peanut butter, and add some shape.
Dip the PB pretzels in the chocolate, ensuring that they are coated. Lift them out with a fork, tapping the fork several times on the bowl to smooth the chocolate a bit and get rid of excess chocolate. Place them on a wax paper lined baking sheet, and pop them in the freezer for about 15 minutes to chill and harden. Store in the fridge.
I have just added the ingredients and recipe here, so if you'd like to read the full article, which is well worth a read for the tips on which products she recommends, visit One Frugal Foodie.
The photos also belong to One Frugal Foodie.
