Testing with fine fragrances in eczema patients: results and test methods

The frequencies of contact allergic reactions to 2 fine fragrances were studied by patch testing. Further, a comparison was made of test results before and after evaporation of the solvent. A total of 480 consecutive eczema patients were included, 100 in the Dortmund clinic and 380 in the Gentofte clinic. Patch testing was done with 2 international brand prestige fragrances. Each fragrance was tested in duplicate. One was applied immediately and the other was allowed to dry for 5 min before application. Testing procedures and assessment of reactions followed the international recommendations. In Dortmund 11% (11/100) and in Gentofte 5.8% (22/380) gave a positive patch test reaction to one or both of the fine fragrances. Assessments done in Gentofte showed that in 73% of the cases the positive reaction indicated a clinically relevant fragrance allergy. More irritant reactions were found to the wet, non-evaporated form of the fragrances compared with the dried form, while the method of testing did not significantly influence the number of positive reactions. It is recommended that patch testing be performed with hydro-alcoholic fragrance products after evaporation of the solvent.