Allergic contact dermatitis from carvone in hair conditioners.
Carvone has occasionally been reported as an allergen, usually in flavorings. Isomers of carvone have been either a mint or a rye flavor and aroma. We report a woman with positive patch-test reactions to carvone (newly added to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group standard series) and dermatitis on the head. She had used a hair conditioner with a "mint" scent, and the dermatitis resolved when she discontinued using this product. While the manufacturer would not confirm carvone as an ingredient, the clinical course, patch-test results, and ingredient list strongly suggest that this was a relevant allergen in this case of allergic contact dermatitis.
Quertermous
James
J
University of Louisville, Division of Dermatology, Louisville, KY, USA.
Fowler
Joseph F
JF
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000081005:Cyclohexane Monoterpenes; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006203:Hair Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D039821:Monoterpenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000485:Allergens; D000081005:Cyclohexane Monoterpenes; D006203:Hair Preparations; D039821:Monoterpenes; C006923:carvone