Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Isoeugenol is an important fragrance allergen. The cosmetic industry was recommended voluntarily to reduce concentrations of isoeugenol in finished cosmetic products from 0.2% to 0.02% in 1998. It was suspected that this would reduce the incidence of patch test positivity in individuals undergoing routine patch testing after approximately 2-3 years (the Dillarstone effect). OBJECTIVES: To review our patch test data since the change in practice by industry, to see if there has been an observable decrease in isoeugenol contact sensitivity. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed all subjects patch tested to isoeugenol 1% pet. in the St John's Department of Cutaneous Allergy over a period of 5 years, commencing 3 years after the changes. RESULTS: We identified 3636 subjects, 97 of whom were positive for isoeugenol. Year-on-year incidence shows an increasing trend, with an overall incidence of 2.67%. Using the exact Cochran-Armitage test, this ascending trend is statistically significant (P = 0.0182). Seventy-two of 97 isoeugenol-positive subjects were also positive to fragrance mix I. Other fragrances positive in these 97 patients included Myroxylon pereirae (30%), Evernia prunastri (22%) and eugenol (15%). CONCLUSIONS: We suspect that the increasing trend may be due to allergen substitution with compounds chemically related to isoeugenol, or which hydrolyse to isoeugenol itself.
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Authors | J M L White, I R White, A Glendinning, J Fleming, D Jefferies, D A Basketter, J P McFadden, D A Buckley |
Journal | The British journal of dermatology
(Br J Dermatol)
Vol. 157
Issue 3
Pg. 580-2
(Sep 2007)
ISSN: 0007-0963 [Print] England |
PMID | 17573874
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Allergens
- Perfume
- Solvents
- Eugenol
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Topics |
- Adult
- Allergens
(adverse effects)
- Dermatitis, Allergic Contact
(etiology)
- Eugenol
(adverse effects)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Patch Tests
- Perfume
(adverse effects, chemistry)
- Solvents
(adverse effects)
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