ROCHESTER, Minn., June 22 (UPI) -- A red, sore itchy rash resulting in contact dermatitis can be caused by many irritants, according to skin experts at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
The July issue of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter lists the top 10 causes of contact dermatitis recently identified by Mayo Clinic researchers. They include:
-- Nickel, commonly found on jewelry clasps or buttons
-- Gold, usually worn as jewelry
-- Balsam of Peru, a fragrance used in skin care products and perfume
-- Thimerosal, a preservative used in vaccines
-- Neomycin sulfate, a topical antibiotic
-- Fragrance mix, which is comprised of eight of the most common flavorings found in various products
-- Formaldehyde, a preservative that can be found in paper products, paints, building materials, medications, household cleaners and fabric finishes
-- Cobalt chloride, a metal found in medical products, hair dye, antiperspirants, and in snaps, buttons and tools
-- Bacitracin, a topical antibiotic
-- Quaternium-15, a preservative found in skin care products and in industrial products such as paints, polishes and waxes
