title: The influence of shaving method on perfume allergy.
abstract: Among men, the most frequent contact allergens are perfumes (fragrance mix and balsam of Peru). Considering that the main cause of nickel allergy is ear-piercing, shaving with a razor blade might be the cause of perfume contact allergy, by creating small wounds that increase the penetration of applied perfume substances derived from soaps, shaving foams and after-shave lotions. 19 males with contact allergy to fragrance mix and/or to balsam of Peru were interviewed about their shaving habits by letter. 17 responded (89%), of whom 12 (71%) had been using razor blades continuously for a period of at least 1 year. At our clinic, the frequency of razor blade usage was found to be 45% in patch tested men without perfume contact allergy. When comparing the frequencies of razor blade usage among patch tested men with and without perfume contact allergy, there was a statistically significant over-representation (p = 0.047) among those with perfume allergy. The risk of perfume allergy when using razor blades was found to be 2.9 (odds ratio).
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, General Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Edman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001453:Balsams / Q000009:adverse effects; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010328:Patch Tests; D010476:Perfume / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D001453:Balsams; D010476:Perfume; D009532:Nickel; C025080:Peruvian balsam