title: Propolis, Colophony, and Fragrance Cross-Reactivity and Allergic Contact Dermatitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Colophony and propolis are among the complex plant resins used in a wide variety of medicinal and personal care products. A number of studies of colophony, propolis, and fragrance mixes suggest that contact with one of these allergens may increase the risk of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions with additional compounds of significant cross-reactivity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to determine rates of cross-reactivity between propolis, colophony, and different fragrance mixes and to determine significant cross-reactivity thresholds for which to counsel patient avoidance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rates of cross-reactivity were calculated from the databases of 2 midwestern US patch testing centers. Rates were calculated both separately and collectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For patients allergic to colophony, fragrance and propolis may be considered significant cross-reactors. For patients allergic to propolis, fragrance and colophony may be considered significant cross-reactors. Cross-reactions between colophony, propolis, and fragrance mixes are unidirectional so, for patients allergic to fragrance, cross-reaction to propolis or colophony is not significant. Colophony allergy is found in only a small number of fragrance-allergic patients and is not a good indicator for fragrance allergy.
authors.affiliation: From the University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Yiwen
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nedorost
authors.forename: Loren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Scheman
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scheman
mesh_terms: D001453:Balsams / Q000009:adverse effects; D003429:Cross Reactions / Q000276:immunology*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D010476:Perfume / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011429:Propolis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012116:Resins, Plant / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D001453:Balsams; D010476:Perfume; D012116:Resins, Plant; C013893:rosin; C025080:Peruvian balsam; D011429:Propolis