Understanding Thiuram Allergy

Even the tiniest substance can give the most discomforting experience. And in the long list of allergens and irritants, harmful rubber components like thiurams and their effects have become less-talked-about over the years. 

Mostly used as accelerators in the vulcanization of rubber processes and fungicides on seeds and plants, thiurams are allergens capable of wreaking havoc on people with sensitive skin. 

What's more frustrating, however, is the fact that this allergen can be present in so many things. From gloves, tennis shoes, balloons, garden hoses, down to erasers, stretchy sneakers, and wetsuits, thiurams can cause allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.

HOW DID IT START? 

According to a study, initial cases of thiuram sensitivity started during the 1920s. In that period, eczematous reactions were recorded in rubber industry workers for they were largely exposed to the material. 

The rise in thiuram-related allergy cases was seen among agricultural industry workers in the following decade. Golfers, gardeners, florists, and dock laborers unloading bananas also experienced contact dermatitis back then as the agricultural industry started using thiuram-based chemicals as germicides and fungicides on farmlands, lawns, and golf courses. 

By the end of the 20th century, health care workers also encountered problems with thiuram as health facilities adopted the widespread use of products made from natural rubber latex. 

HOW TO AVOID 

Being exposed to thiuram can result in two most common dermal reactions: irritant contact dermatitis (a result from prolonged and repeated exposure to an irritant) and allergic contact dermatitis (a delayed hypersensitivity reaction in which a foreign substance comes into contact with the skin). 

Many products contain thiuram, thiuram mix, or have residues from thiuram sprayed on them such as animal repellent, fungicides, pesticides, cords, headphones, insulation, utility gloves, rubber bands, wetsuits, fruits, fresh vegetables, fabrics, and many others, so be sure to veer away from those. 

To further avoid flare-ups and discomfort caused by exposure to thiuram, Cottonique urges you to follow these 5 simple tips, especially when you have a sensitivity to the known allerg

1. Buy and look for organic produce. Filling your table with nutritious foods made under organic standards and free from any germicides is beneficial for your health. Nowadays, pesticides and nasty additives are being routinely used in conventional farming. You don’t want to eat residues on your fruits and vegetables, don’t you? 

2. Ditch the rubber in your clothing. When you have sensitive skin, always look for eco-conscious brands that only utilize highly organic materials to develop hypoallergenic apparel. From socks to sweaters, we produce clothing pieces free from elastics, such as latex and spandex. In Cottonique, worrying about discomfort is the last thing you will ever do. 
   
   
3. Avoid beauty products with rubber or rubber-related ingredients. What you put on your skin will be absorbed by your body, so make sure to utilize skincare, makeup products, and makeup applicators free from the harmful stuff

4. Pay close attention to your doctor’s instructions. Always consult your doctor for appropriate treatment.

5. Lastly, take a patch test. If you’re already doing everything to stop the irritations yet allergies keep on happening, ask your dermatologist for a patch test. Guessing game doesn't always work when you have sensitive skin. You may be allergic to other material and not thiuram. Once you’re aware of what triggers an allergic or irritant reaction in your skin, you can easily steer clear of those components and spend days in comfort. 

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. 

Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition.