title: Exposure to selected fragrance materials. A case study of fragrance-mix-positive eczema patients.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to assess exposure to constituents of the fragrance mix from cosmetic products used by fragrance-mix-positive eczema patients. 23 products, which had either given a positive patch and/or use test in a total of 11 fragrance-mix-positive patients, were analyzed. In all cases, the use of these cosmetics completely or partly explained present or past episodes of eczema. Between 1 to 6 constituents of the fragrance mix were found in 22 out of 23 products. The cosmetics of all the patients sensitive to hydroxycitronellal, eugenol, cinnamic alcohol and alpha-amylcinnamic aldehyde were found to contain the respective substances. Exposure concentrations were seen to cover a large range. The content of hydroxycitronellal was, on average, 5 x higher in cosmetics from hydroxycitronellal-sensitive patients, compared to cosmetics from hydroxycitronellal-negative patients. It is concluded that exposure to constituents of the fragrance mix is common in fragrance-allergic patients with cosmetic eczema, and that the fragrance mix is a good reflection of actual exposure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Denmark.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Johansen
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Rastogi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Menné
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D004306:Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D017443:Skin Diseases, Eczematous / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics