title: Design and feasibility of an international study assessing the prevalence of contact allergy to fragrances in the general population: the European Dermato-Epidemiology Network Fragrance Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Data on contact allergy to fragrances in the general population are limited. Data from allergological services suggest that the frequency of contact allergy to fragrances is increasing. The European Dermato-Epidemiology Network (EDEN) Fragrance Study aims to obtain reliable data on the prevalence of contact allergy to fragrances and other sensitizers of the European baseline series, in the general population of different geographical areas of Europe. We report the methodology and the reliability of instruments adopted and discuss the feasibility based on a pilot phase.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive epidemiology survey. A random sample from the general population is selected and interviewed, and is offered patch testing in a randomized way. We specifically enquire about any skin rash reported during the previous year, and any history of reactions to products that may contain the sensitizer and/or a history of avoidance of the same products. Patch test data are linked to the questionnaire information to define clinical relevance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The questionnaire showed high test-retest reliability in 94 individuals. Patch test reading also showed a high level of interrater reliability. During the pilot phase, a total of 589 participants were recruited.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The EDEN Fragrance Study is feasible and able to provide useful data on fragrance allergy.
authors.affiliation: Centro Studi GISED, Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo, Italy.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: Pieter-Jan
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Coenraads
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Diepgen
authors.forename: Åke
authors.initials: Å
authors.lastname: Svensson
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Elsner
authors.forename: Margarida
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gonçalo
authors.forename: Magnus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bruze
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Naldi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D010328:Patch Tests; D010476:Perfume / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D011897:Random Allocation; D018401:Sample Size; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010476:Perfume