Occupational contact dermatitis due to essential oils.
BACKGROUND
Allergic contact dermatitis induced by the occupational use of products containing essential oils has not been studied comprehensively.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present report was to describe the characteristics, diagnosis, and outcome of 5 patients with occupational contact dermatitis because of essential oils attending our outpatient dermatology clinics over a 2-year period.


METHODS
These patients are added to the 11 cases reported thus far in the literature.


RESULTS
The research shows that for proper diagnosis, patch tests with the standard series and the fragrance series should be performed, in addition to tests with the specific oils to which the patients were exposed.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients should be instructed to avoid the allergens identified. Sensitization to essential oils has important implications for the occupational future of affected individuals.
Trattner
Akiva
A
Department of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqwa, Israel. atrattner@clalit.org.il
David
Michael
M
Lazarov
Aneta
A
D000328:Adult; D019341:Aromatherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008405:Massage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010328:Patch Tests
D009822:Oils, Volatile