Dermatitis from propolis.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Propolis, a resinous mixture produced by bees, is known to cause allergic contact dermatitis.
• Balsam of Peru is a common contact allergen, and its chemical similarity to propolis components suggests potential cross-reactivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate allergic reactions to propolis in patients with dermatitis.
• To explore the relationship between propolis allergy and balsam of Peru sensitivity.
• To identify specific chemical components responsible for cross-reactivity.

Main Methods:

• Patch testing with propolis and balsam of Peru on 22 dermatitis patients.
• Chromatographic analysis of propolis and balsam of Peru to compare chemical profiles.
• Testing sensitive patients with common components of balsam of Peru and essential oils.

Main Results:

• 21 out of 22 patients tested positive for propolis allergy.
• 19 patients showed positive reactions to both propolis and balsam of Peru.
• Chromatograms revealed significant similarities between propolis and balsam of Peru, with 3 identical peaks.
• Cinnamyl cinnamate, vanillin, and benzyl cinnamate were identified as potential cross-reactive components.
• Sensitivity to clove oil was also noted in some patients.

Conclusions:

• Propolis is a significant cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
• Cross-reactivity between propolis and balsam of Peru is common, likely due to shared chemical constituents.
• Specific components like cinnamyl cinnamate may contribute to this cross-reactivity.