A health warning has been issued over the use of wet wipes following a spike in allergic reactions to some products.

The South Australian Government said national figures showed 15 per cent of people tested this year had reacted to the preservative Methylisothiazolinone (MI), which is used in some brands of wipes.

In 2005, only about 4 per cent of people tested suffered allergic reactions.

Health Minister Jack Snelling said increased cases of dermatitis were being seen locally.

"Allergic reactions to MI, such as hand dermatitis, are being found in people using wet wipes, such as mothers and babies who are frequently in contract with baby wipes," he said.

Danae Belfield, 26, suffered severe reactions after using wet wipes, forcing her to go the Flinders Medical Centre emergency department.

"I have had a severe and ongoing reaction to a number of products which contain MI," she said.

"Over the past 14 months, I have suffered a red, itchy, painful rash over most of my body, which was compounded when I was hospitalised three weeks ago after using wet wipes on my face and neck.

Danae Belfield presented to Flinders Medical Centre several times following severe reactions to MI. ( SA Government )

"A patch test helped to determine my reaction to MI and I have since stopped using all products that contain the preservative, which has dramatically changed my life."

MI is used to prevent bacterial contamination and is often found in personal hygiene products such as baby wipes, moisturisers and cosmetics.

It is also found in shampoos, sunscreens and deodorants, as well as paints and cooling tower water.

Research published in the Medical Journal of Australia in March last year showed rates of allergic reactions to MI had risen from less than 4 per cent to 11 per cent in two years.

Researchers said it had become the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, and the increasing number of people affected were in the developed world.

Flinders Medical Centre head of dermatology Doctor Lynne Gordon advised people to see a skin specialist if they were concerned.

"It usually develops two or more days after contact with the allergen and lasts as long as contact continues and for a short time afterwards, typically one to two weeks," she said.