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Identification of risk products for fragrance contact allergy: a case-referent study based on patients' histories
J D Johansen1, T F Andersen, M Kjøller
1Department of Dermatology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark.
Background:
Fragrances are the first or second most common cause of contact allergy in dermatitis patients.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to identify risk products for fragrance contact allergy.
Methods:
The design was a case-control study with a case group of 78 fragrance-mix-positive eczema patients and two control groups, one consisting of 1,279 subjects selected as a random sample of the general population and the other consisting of 806 fragrance-mix-negative eczema patients. The identification of risk products was based on the patients' histories of rash to scented products. Analysis of the associations between first-time rash caused by different specified product categories and fragrance mix sensitivity was performed using logistic regression.
Results:
It was found that first-time rash caused by deodorant sprays and/or perfumes were related to fragrance contact allergy in a comparison with both control groups. The risk (odds ratio) of being diagnosed as fragrance allergic was 2.3 to 2.9 greater in cases of a history of first-time rash to deodorant sprays and 3.3 to 3.4 greater in cases of a history of rash to perfumes than if no such history were present. First-time rash to cleansing agents, deodorant sticks, or hand lotions was also statistically significant but only in comparison with one of the control groups.
Conclusion:
Safety evaluation of fragrance materials used in perfumes and deodorant sprays should be performed with special attention.