Wood tars allergy, cross-sensitization and coal tar.

Abstract

In a population of 1883 patients tested for allergic contact dermatitis (1985-1988), a prevalence of 5.4% (103 cases) was seen for wood tars (ICDRG allergen, 12% pet.) sensitization. In this group (n = 103), retrospectively, a combined allergy was seen to wood tars and fragrance mix in 43% and to wood tars and balsam of Peru in 31%. A combined allergy to wood tars and coal tar was seen in 19 patients (18.5%): 14 to liquor carbonis detergens (LCD), 8 to lianthral and 3 to both LCD and lianthral. Within the group with wood tars allergy (n = 103), a minority (n = 37) had a history of atopic dermatitis. Comparison of the test results in atopic and non-atopic subgroups (within the group of 103) revealed a higher incidence of combined wood tars-fragrance mix allergy in the atopic group (n = 37). In this group, a lower incidence of combined wood tars-coal tar sensitization was seen in comparison with the non-atopic group (n = 66). The authors believe that combined "wood tars-coal tar" allergy could be the consequence of cross-sensitization rather than due to long-term previous topical treatment with tar derivatives. The high % of cross-allergy between wood tars and fragrance mix emphasizes the role of wood tars as an important indicator allergen in perfume allergy.

• Authors: I D Roesyanto, T W van den Akker, T W van Joost
• Journal: Contact dermatitis (Contact Dermatitis) Vol. 22 Issue 2 Pg. 95-8 (Feb 1990) ISSN: 0105-1873 [Print] England
• PMID: 2323208 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Perfume
• Coal Tar

Topics

• Coal Tar (adverse effects)
• Cross Reactions (immunology)
• Dermatitis, Contact (immunology)
• Humans
• Hypersensitivity (immunology)
• Netherlands
• Patch Tests (methods)
• Perfume (adverse effects)
• Retrospective Studies
• Wood