New mobile app spells relief for people with skin allergies

CARD app from Preventice uses Mayo Clinic expertise to help allergy sufferers customize shopping lists, get information about allergens, and share information with physicians   

Rochester, Minn. (October 6, 2011) -- For people who suffer from skin allergies, shopping for something simple like laundry detergent, shampoo or lotion can be a gamble that lands them in the doctor’s office. In fact, a National Ambulatory Medical Care survey conducted in 1995 estimated that 8.4 million people visit their doctor because of skin allergies, or contact dermatitis. Furthermore, allergic reactions to skin care and cosmetic products were the second most frequent dermatologic diagnosis.


But thanks to a new mobile health application from Preventice, Inc., life just got easier for people with skin allergies. 


Introducing CARD for iPhone, Smartphones and tablets
The CARD application is the first publicly available application based on a technology licensed between Mayo Clinic and Preventice. CARD combines the world-class medical expertise and research of Mayo Clinic with the cutting-edge mobile technology and cloud-computing platform of Preventice.


CARD--which stands for Contact Allergen Replacement Database--gives physicians and patients  instant access to information about chemicals, preservatives and fragrances in skin care products that cause allergic reactions. CARD allows patients to:


·       Create safe-shopping lists based on their allergies
·       Use the CARD database to find safe products
·       Print shopping lists
·       Save photos to share with their physician to improve diagnosis and treatment
·       Create personal journals of any reactions
·       Receive notification of product formulation changes


The Preventice CARD application gives consumers access to the world’s most recognized contact allergy database, which contains more than 8,000 known ingredients found in more than 5,500 commercial skin care products. Developed by Mayo Clinic in 1999, CARD is available for the first time to physicians and patients worldwide. 


“The occurrence of contact dermatitis is increasing and product labeling remains an issue, despite the growth of all-natural products,” said Jon Otterstatter, Preventice co-founder, president and CEO. “Physician and patient response to the CARD application has been extremely positive, and patient stories reinforce the real-life value that CARD offers.”


 “The Preventice CARD System represents an essential clinical tool for discovering and avoiding skin-care products that cause allergic reactions,” said James Yiannias, M.D., Mayo Clinic. “Dermatologists at Mayo Clinic have used CARD for years to recommend safe skin care products and have found it typically increases patient compliance and makes patient diagnosis and education more efficient.”


Download CARD from iTunes using “Preventice Card” in the search.


About Preventice
Preventice develops mobile health systems that improve outcomes through prevention, remote diagnosis and patient monitoring. Preventice is based in Rochester, Minn.


About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a non-profit worldwide leader in medical care, research, and education for people from all walks of life. Disclosure:  Mayo Clinic and Dr. Yiannias have a financial interest in this technology and will receive royalties from the sale of CARD.