Do you know why many different chemical compounds found in creams cosmetics and other topical consumer products trigger allergic reactions in the skin? The way some chemicals displace natural fat-like molecules -- called lipids -- in skin cells may be the culprit suggests new research. This discovery published in the journal Science Immunology raises the possibility that allergic contact dermatitis could be stopped by applying competing lipids to the skin to displace those triggering the immune reaction. Currently the only way to stop allergic contact dermatitis is to identify and avoid contact with the offending chemical. Topical ointments can help