Contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis caused by lavender: A retrospective study from an Australian clinic

Lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy and in a broad range of personal and household products. It has been identified as a contact sensitizer, and has been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

To report our experience with contact allergy and ACD caused by lavender, and to raise awareness of lavender as a potential contact allergen.

A retrospective database review was performed of patients attending patch testing clinics at the Skin and Cancer Foundation, Victoria, Australia, from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 2017.

Among the 2178 patients patch tested with lavender over this period, a total of 58 positive reactions were recorded in 49 individuals, giving a positive patch test prevalence for patients tested with lavender of 2.2%. Twenty-seven patients were diagnosed with ACD. The most common sources of exposure to lavender were personal care products and essential oils. Of the patients with ACD, 74% were tested with lavender absolute, with positive results in 90% of cases.

Lavender is an uncommon cause of ACD but is important to consider, given the potential for exposure through the use of personal care items and essential oils.