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Finding the optimal patch test material and test concentration to detect contact allergy to geraniol
Lina Hagvall1, Ann-Therese Karlberg, Johanna B Christensson
1Department of Dermatology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
Contact Dermatitis
|March 21, 2013
Summary
Oxidized geraniol is a more effective marker for detecting contact allergy to geraniol than pure geraniol. Increasing test concentrations of both forms improves allergy detection, but oxidized geraniol alone does not identify all cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Fragrance Chemistry
Background:
- Geraniol, a common fragrance terpene, acts as a pro-hapten and pre-hapten.
- Autoxidation and skin metabolism of geraniol form sensitizers.
- Oxidized geraniol may be a superior marker for contact allergy compared to pure geraniol.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the optimal patch test substance and concentration for identifying contact allergy to geraniol.
- Evaluate the diagnostic performance of pure versus oxidized geraniol in patch testing.
Main Methods:
- Patch testing 655 patients with pure and oxidized geraniol at varying concentrations (4.0%, 6.0%, 11.0%) in petrolatum.
- Assessing irritancy of geraniol forms in 27 patients at concentrations up to 20.0%.
Main Results:
- Oxidized geraniol detected positive reactions in 0.92-4.6% of patients, versus 0.15-1.1% for pure geraniol.
- Reactions to pure geraniol in non-oxidized geraniol responders suggested metabolic activation.
- Neither geraniol form exhibited significant irritant reactions at tested concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Higher test concentrations of both pure and oxidized geraniol enhance contact allergy detection.
- Oxidized geraniol identifies more allergic individuals than pure geraniol.
- Patch testing solely with oxidized geraniol may miss some contact allergy cases.
