
Para-phenylenediamine, Sodium Picramate and other substances...
Why use natural henna if you are not sure that certain substances do not contain them?
Para-phenilediamine is a chemical substance belonging to the family of aromatic amines present in almost every hair dye, even in those that are passed off as '' natural '' and is a dark blue oxidation dye.
​
There are many cases of an allegic reaction to this substance (contact allergy) due to overexposure.
​
The best known and most responsible use of paraphenylenediamine allergy is given by the presence in hair dyes and as a source of allergy for hairdressers and clients.
​
The confirmation comes from a study by St John's Institute of Dermatology and St Thomas' Hospital in London, recently published in the authoritative scientific journal "British Medical Journal": paraphenylated amine (PPD), and other chemical compounds belonging to the amine family Aromatic are the most commonly used reagents in permanent hair dyes and are also the cause of increasingly frequent allergies among the constantly growing number of consumers who use the products that contain them to dye their hair.
Phenylenediamine Para is a very harmful substance for the skin, its use is allowed only if the dye does not come into contact with the scalp.
Much attention must also be given to dyes on the market that indicate '' para phenylendiamina free''o '' without PPD '' inside there are other substances of a similar nature from the "doubtful" effect on the skin.
​
This substance in addition to causing allergic reactions makes the hair highly sensitized and visibly less healthy.
​
Reactions due to PPD occur up to 10 days after use therefore preliminary skin tests have no use.
If you have been using dyes for a long time and you have never had an allergic reaction, it must be said that in any case it increases the probability of sensitization with use.
​
Recall that the PPD is often present in Indigo of poor quality and that it is a substance registered in the ministerial register of dangerous and harmful substances for the organism and the environment !!!!
​
​
SODIUM PICRAMATE
​
Sodium Picramate is a synthetic dye that intensifies the red color.
Picramato, is just one of the many synthetic additives used in cosmetics, it is usually added to poor quality henna (strong henna or reinforced henna) to obtain more intense and resistant colors and a less natural appearance compared to those obtainable with only henna.
​
Sodium picramate is also registered in the ministerial register of dangerous and harmful substances for the body and the environment !!!
In 2001 an authoritative study by the University of California ("Use of permanent hair dyes and bladder-cancer risk" Int J Cancer. 2001 Feb 15; 91: 575-9.) Had unequivocally shown that hair dyes cause cancer.
​
A few years later, in 2006, the European Union began to move but very slowly, banning some additives.
​
A directive (the L208 of 3/8/12) issued by the European Commission on August 3, 2012 referring precisely to the study of the University of California cited above, states unequivocally that the risk of cancer can really be connected to the use of dyes for hair.
​
This directive adds some chemicals to the long list of prohibited substances in cosmetics (the complete list is in the constantly updated 76/768 / EEC Cosmetics Directive).
It must be said that the henna of "Body Art Quality" color intensely colors and withstands perfectly for some time while not containing picramato.
Only for henna of poor or dubious quality is the use of these substances used.
​
​
​
​
SUBSTANCES RESPONSIBLE FOR ALLERGIC DERMATITES
​
​
​
LANOLIN ALCOHOLS
​
Synonyms: Alcoholes lanae
Solubility: Soluble in Chloroform, Ether. Slightly soluble in Ethanol and insoluble in water.
Use: Wool alcohols are the alcoholic fraction of wool wax, a natural product obtained from sheep's wool. From the chemical point of view it is a variegated mixture of Sterols (Cholesterol, Lanosterol) and long chain fatty alcohols (C16-C32). This substance is used for:
- medicaments for topical use;
- in cosmetics such as creams and ointments, lotions, soaps, after shave and lipsticks as well as shampoos;
It is used in technical products such as:
- printing inks
- emulsifier for cutting oils;
- insulation for electric wires and metal seals;
- impregnating agent for fabrics and leathers;
- in the preparation of inks and ski wax.
Cross-reactions: Wool alcohols are considered the main sensitizers present in the various preparations based on Lanolin and Eucerina. In case of sensitization to one of these two substances, some other components should also be considered as potential allergenic substances (waxes, bleaches, surfactants).
​
​
​
PERUVIAN BALM
​
Synonyms: Peruvian balm
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, Chloroform. Weakly soluble in Ether, insoluble in water.
​
Use: Balsam from Peru is obtained from the burned tree trunk of the species Myroxylon Pereira variety that grows in Central and South America. It contains numerous and different substances that have not yet been fully defined. The main components are benzyl esters of benzoic and cinnamic acid. The same or chemically related substances or allergens are included in other balms and essential oils. A positive reaction to the Balsamo of Peru must therefore be considered as indicative of an allergic reaction from contact to numerous spices and different aromas.
- as a substance in numerous topical drugs for external use, especially for the treatment of eczema, hemorrhoids, chilblains, burns, scabies;
- as a perfume in cosmetics such as toilet soap, hair lotion, lipsticks, shaving lotions, toothpaste, aftershave;
- as a flavoring in food such as chocolate, honey, chewing gum, baked desserts, ice cream and jams;
- in spices such as cinnamon, clove, vanilla and in foods containing these spices: ketchup, chili sauce, chutney, salted herring, vegetables and preserved foods (beets, cucumbers, liver pate, etc.)
- in soft drinks like orange and cola and in certain aperitifs;
- in tobacco and fragrant teas;
- in the dental technician field as a perfumed substance for cements and liquids;
- in oil colors.
Cross-reactions: Colophony, Benzoic acid, Cinnamic acid, aromas (Mixture of aromas E0029), Balsamo del Tolù, wood tar, Trementina, Propolis, Storace and Benzonium.
​
​
BENZOCAINE AND CAINE MIX
​
Synonyms: Ethyl aminobenzoate, Anestesina - Anestesone, Paratesina
Solubility: in water, alcohol, chloroform, ether
Use: it is commonly used as a local anesthetic and is found in:
- analgesics;
- antiprurigine;
- antibechico;
- astringents;
- skin disinfectant, remedy for the "athlete's foot";
- remedy against calluses and corns, hemorrhoids;
- sun screens;
​
- topical medications, including oral and anti-smoking drugs. Cross-reactions: With p-aminobenzoic acid derivatives (eg: Procaine), Paraphenylenediamine, p-toluendiamine, p-aminosalicylic acid, Tetracaine, Sulfonamides.
Note: It is important to inform the patient sensitive to Benzocaine that their sensitization is not related to Lidocaine (amidic type local anesthetic).
​
​
CARBA MIX
​
It is a mixture usually composed of:
-Tetrametiltiurame Disulfito (TMTD)
-Tetrametiltiurame Disulfito (TETD)
-Tetrametiltiurame Monosulfite (TMTM)
-Tetrametiltiurame Disulfito (TETD)
Use:
- As accelerator of the vulcanization process in the rubber processing industries and in particular for the production of raincoats, boots, shoes, gloves, belts, masks, headphones, elastic bands, condoms;
- in spray disinfectants;
- as a bacteriostatic in soaps;
- in the automobile industry for the production of seals tires and as wire insulation;
- in the bicycle industry for the production of saddles, handlebars, brake linings;
- as a preservative in drugs, insecticides, and oils for industry;
- in pesticides;
- as an anti-sand and antifungal agent in veterinary drugs;
- as an alcohol detergent (TETD);
- as an antidote for nickel poisoning.
Cross-reactions: Possible with Carbamates.
​
​
COLOFONIA
​
Synonyms: Rosin, Resina terebintina
Solubility: in water, chloroform, ether, some volatile oils, glacial acetic acid, diluted solutions of alkaline hydroxides, partially soluble in an oil spirit. Insoluble in water.
​
Use: rosin is of different origin (Portuguese, Chinese and American). Colophony is made up of different acid resins, mainly Abietic Acid and is obtained as a residue from the Conifer Balsam, from their roots or tall oil. Colophony and its derivatives are hidden in numerous articles of daily use.
​
Contact possibilities are given by:
- paper and cardboard, adhesive tapes, waxes and paints.
- cosmetics such as mascara, rimmel, soaps and shampoos, depilatory creams, lip polishes, make-up and nail polishes.
Other Colophony derivatives are used for the production of:
- floor coverings;
- synthetic rubber products;
- waxes for sports (ski wax);
- materials for boating;
- desiccants;
​
- in medicaments for external use and in the dental field for cement and the preparation of casts;
​
- last but not least it is used in the musical field, in the form of small cubes for the treatment of the hair of the violin bows (Rosin).
Cross-reactions: Possible with Turpentine, wood tar, Peru balsam, pine and fir essences and balm.
​
​
ETHYLENEDIAMINE
​
Substance used as a stabilizer, emulsifier and preservative.
​
Where it is: Ethylenediamine (or ethylenediamine dihydrochloride) is found in topical fungicides, in antibiotic creams, in eye and nasal drops and in aminophylline as a contaminant.
​
Antihistamines and metiolate dyes are chemically related and can cause an allergic reaction.
​
It is also found in some industrial products such as textile resins, in solvents and antifreeze.
​
How to avoid it and disposable alternatives: Always inform your doctor about an ethylenediamine allergy and seek advice or prescribe products that are free from this agent.
​
Generally ointments are safe alternatives to creams.
​
At work, request materials with a known composition to find alternative products that are safe from contact with ethylenediamine.
​
​
​
FORMALDEHYDE
​
Synonyms: Oxymethylene
Solubility: in water and alcohol - Molecular weight: 30.03
Use: the concentration of this patch test is evaluated on its Formaldehyde content and not on Formalin.
​
Formalin is a 35-37% solution of Formaldehyde in water normally with 10% of Methanol added as a stabilizer to prevent polymerization.
​
use:
- as an initial component for the production of plastics and synthetic resins, especially with Urea and Phenol as well as polyacetates and Melamine;
- During the hardening process the formaldehyde urea resins release formaldehyde for a long period of time (years);
- in disinfectants for hospitals and laboratories and for sterilizing clothes;
- to fix and preserve histological preparations;
- in household detergents;
- as a disinfectant or preservative in all types of cosmetics: shampoos, foam baths, deodorants, nail polishes, soaps and creams;
- as a disinfectant or preservative in pharmacological preparations such as ointments, powders, lotions, antifungals and preparations for gargling;
- as a technical preservative in tires, and in technical oils;
- as a fixative in photographic preparations,
- in the paint, rubber and leather industry;
- in pesticides, vermicides and disinfectants for seeds;
- as a residue in the fumes of organic material (coal, diesel engine exhaust and cigarette smoke);
- in the paper industry: computer paper, handkerchiefs, napkins, toilet paper.
​
Notes: some preservatives such as, for example, the Quaternium 15 (E0031) are called liberating agents of formaldehyde.
​
​
​
ADDITIVES OF BLACK TIRES
​
​
Where to find them: Black rubber additives are found in almost all products containing black rubbers, for example tires, handles, rubber fittings, rubber sleeves, etc.
​
Other colored tires can cross react, for example in rubber gloves . Some hair dyes are chemically related and can occasionally cause dermatitis.
​
How to avoid them and available alternatives: - Black rubber additives are very often found in the manufacturing industry and in maintenance work.
​
Try to eliminate all contact with the black rubber.
​
For example, use gloves when changing a tire.
​
​
​
​
KATHON CG
​
Use: it is one of the most used preservatives.
​
It is present in many commonly used products.
​
In cosmetics such as:
​
- skin creams and body lotions;
- shampoos and other hair care products;
- soaps and preparations for sunscreens;
- foams for shower and bath.
It is also present in household products such as:
- detergents, washing liquids and softeners;
- glues and water colors;
- materials for cleaning and preserving wood.
In the industrial field it is used as a preservative for technical liquids such as refrigerants and cutting oils.
​
​
​
​
MERCAPTOBENZOTHIAZOLE
​
Synonyms: MBT
Solubility: in alcohol, Ether and Acetone. Practically insoluble in water.
​
Use: in the technical field it is used:
​
- as an accelerator of vulcanization in the rubber industry, such as for tires, rubber parts of shoes and boots, textile rubbers;
- in technical fluids such as antifreeze and cutting oils;
- in special detergents and photographic emulsions;
- in lubricants and as a reagent for the determination of different heavy metals.
​
​
​
PARABENS MIX
​
Mixture usually consisting of:
- E0151 4%
- E0152 4%
- E0153 4%
- E0154 4%
​
Use: Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in pharmaceuticals and cosmetic industries.
​
They are also found in:
​
- pharmaceutical products for external use;
​
- in creams, lotions, make-up, toothpaste, shaving lotions, soaps, sun creams and depilatories:
​
- in foodstuffs such as marinated fish, mayonnaise, spicy sauces, mustard, marzipan, salad and its condiments.
​
In the industrial field, parabens are used as preservatives in oils, fats, glues, and shoe polishes.
​
Cross-reactions: with the Balsamo of Peru and p-Aminobenzoic Acid.
​
It can also be found in some fungicides and medical preparations for veterinary use.
​
Cross-reactions: possible with other benzothiazole derivatives.
​
Note: this substance is part of the Mercaptoderivate Mix described below.
​
​
PARAPHENYLENDIAMINE
​
Synonyms: 1,4-Benzendiamina, p-Diaminobenzene, Ursol D
Solubility: In water, Ethanol, Chloroform and Ether.
​
​
Use:
​
- hair dyes
- as primary intermediate in the production of azo-dyes, dyes for furs and skins:
- in photographic developments;
- in antioxidants and accelerators used in the rubber and plastic industry;
- during photocopying and lithography processes.
​
Note: Paraphenyldiamine is a very powerful allergen.
​
Its use in hair dyes has been banned in many countries.
​
Cross-reactions: with Azo-colaranti and Aniline, p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and its esters (for example: Benzocaine, Procaine).
​
Also with Carbutamide, Sulfonamide, p-aminosalicylic acid and Paratoluendiamina.
​
​
​
​
PERFUMES MIX - ESSENCES MIX
​
It often consists of a mixture of:
CINNAMYL ALCOHOL
Molecular formula: C9H10O
Molecular weight: 134.17
Solubility: in alcohol, Ether water and Glycerol.
CINNAMIC ALDEHYDE
Molecular formula: C9H8O Molecular weight: 132.16 Solubility: in water, alcohol, miscible with Ether Chloroform.
EUGENOL
Molecular formula: C10H12O2
Molecular weight: 164.20
Solubility: Ethanol, Chloroform, Ether, oil, practically insoluble in water.
ALDEHYDE-ALFA-AMILCINNAMICA
Molecular formula: C14H18O
Molecular weight: 202.30
Molality: 0.0494
Solubility: in alcohol, oils.
hydroxycitronellal
Molecular formula: C10H20O2
Molecular weight: 172.27
geraniol
Molecular formula: C10H18O
Molecular weight: 154.24
Solubility: in alcohol, Ether, practically insoluble in water.
isoeugenol
Molecular formula: C10H12O2
Molecular weight: 164.20
Solubility: slightly soluble in water, miscible with alcohol and Ether.
MUSK OF ABSOLUTE OAK
Oak Extract, consisting of various aromas and the powerful Atranorin sensitizing agent.
Use: these substances are used in:
- cosmetics such as perfumes, soaps, hair lotions, aftershaves, lip gloss, make-up and hair spray;
- in household products;
- in some foods such as ice cream, chewing gum, sweets, candies and some liqueurs, soft drinks, sauces and flavorings.
- in industrial fluids.
Cross-reactions: With the Balm of Peru, Rosin and Wood Tar.
​
​
​
QUATERNIUM 15
​
Synonyms: Dowicil 200, Preventol D1
​
Use:
Quaternium 15 is used as a bactericidal and fungicidal preservative in:
- topical drugs such as ointments, creams and lotions;
- cosmetics of all kinds such as shampoos, creams, hair care products;
- dyes and polishes.
​
Cross-reactions: Quaternium15 releases Formaldehyde.
​
Notes: allergic reactions to this substance can therefore be caused by the molecule itself or by Formaldehyde
​
​
TIMEROSAL - TIOMERSAL
​
​
Preservative used in many cosmetics, eye drops and topical medicaments.
​
Where it is: timerosal is found in many cosmetics such as eye shadows, in otological and nasal drops.
It is often used as a preservative in contact lens cleaners.
​
Timerosal has been used in the past as a preservative in vaccines.
​
Today it is used in very few preparations.
​
How to avoid it and available alternatives: inform your doctor of a timerosal allergy (also called mertholite) before a prescription for nasal, otological or ocular drops, for any vaccines by injection.
​
Check that the cosmetics do not contain timerosal, if necessary contact the manufacturer.
​
The timerosal contained in the injections can aggravate the dermatitis.
​
​
​
​
​
Taken from the site: "http://www.asmaeallergia.it" The largest and most complete Italian site of Allergology and Pneumology
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Mary
​
​
​
​
​
