Exposure to selected fragrance materials. A case study of fragrance-mix-positive eczema patients

Contact Dermatitis. 1996 Feb;34(2):106-10. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1996.tb02139.x.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess exposure to constituents of the fragrance mix from cosmetic products used by fragrance-mix-positive eczema patients. 23 products, which had either given a positive patch and/or use test in a total of 11 fragrance-mix-positive patients, were analyzed. In all cases, the use of these cosmetics completely or partly explained present or past episodes of eczema. Between 1 to 6 constituents of the fragrance mix were found in 22 out of 23 products. The cosmetics of all the patients sensitive to hydroxycitronellal, eugenol, cinnamic alcohol and alpha-amylcinnamic aldehyde were found to contain the respective substances. Exposure concentrations were seen to cover a large range. The content of hydroxycitronellal was, on average, 5 x higher in cosmetics from hydroxycitronellal-sensitive patients, compared to cosmetics from hydroxycitronellal-negative patients. It is concluded that exposure to constituents of the fragrance mix is common in fragrance-allergic patients with cosmetic eczema, and that the fragrance mix is a good reflection of actual exposure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cosmetics / administration & dosage
  • Cosmetics / adverse effects*
  • Cosmetics / chemistry
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / immunology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patch Tests
  • Skin Diseases, Eczematous / chemically induced*
  • Skin Diseases, Eczematous / immunology

Substances

  • Cosmetics