Patch test results with patients' own perfumes, deodorants and shaving lotions: results of the IVDK 1998-2002

Authors: Uter, W; Geier, J¹; Schnuch, A¹; Frosch, PJ²

Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology, Volume 21, Number 3, March 2007 , pp. 374-379(6)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

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Abstract:

Objective

Assessment of the value of patch testing patients' own perfumes, eau de toilette, deodorants and shaving lotions with regard to diagnosing contact allergy to fragrances, and an analysis of the spectrum of concurrent patch test reactions to single fragrance allergens. Study design

Data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK; http://www.ivdk.org) regarding patch test results with above products brought in by the patient, considered as possible cause of contact dermatitis, were retrospectively analysed. Between 1998 and 2002, 1468 patients were patch tested with 2557 single products (deodorants, n = 1094; eau de toilette, n = 598; perfume, n = 530; and pre- or after-shave, n = 325; remainder not classifiable), mostly `as is'. Results

Positive reactions were observed in 129 patients (to 191 products). In 58 of these patients, no further patch test reactions to the fragrance mix (FM-I), Myroxylon pereirae resin (balsam of Peru) or 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methyl-pentyl)-3-cyclohexencarboxaldehyde (e.g. Lyral®) were found. A strong association between contact sensitivity to the above commercial allergens and positive reactions to products was observed. Some single compounds such as ylang-ylang oil, propolis and especially oak moss absolute are important allergens in the `perfume-positive' subgroup, but less in a subgroup positive to own deodorants. Discussion

Patch testing this scope of products, brought in by the patient, can be regarded as a simple, safe and effective method to diagnose clinically relevant contact sensitization - the more so, as the composition of such products is ever-changing, and the sensitivity of established `screening allergens' is thus insufficient.

Keywords: clinical epidemiolgy; contact allergy; fragrance; patch testing

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01973.x

Affiliations: 1: Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) at the University of Göttingen, von-Siebold-Str. 3, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany 2: Department of Dermatology, University of Witten/Herdecke and Klinikum Dortmund gGmbh, Beurhausstr. 40, D-44137 Dortmund, Germany

Publication date: 2007-03-01

Patch test results with patients' own perfumes, deodorants and shaving lotions: results of the IVDK 1998-2002

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