An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. Allergens are substances that, in some people, the immune system recognizes as "foreign" or "dangerous" but cause no response for most people.
Information
Common allergens include:
Bacteria, viruses, and animal parasites
Chemicals
Dust
Drugs (such as antibiotics or medications you put on your skin)
Foods (such as milk, chocolate, strawberries, wheat)
Review Date:
2/19/2009
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.