Positive patch test reactions to oxidized limonene: exposure and relevance.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

R-Limonene is a common fragrance terpene found in domestic and industrial products. R-Limonene autoxidizes on air exposure, and the oxidation products can cause contact allergy. In a recent multicentre study, 5.2% (range 2.3-12.1%) of 2900 patients showed a positive patch test reaction to oxidized R-limonene.

OBJECTIVE:

To study the exposure to limonene among consecutive dermatitis patients reacting to oxidized R-limonene in an international setting, and to assess the relevance of the exposure for the patients' dermatitis.

METHODS:

Oxidized R-limonene 3.0% (containing limonene hydroperoxides at 0.33%) in petrolatum was tested in 2900 consecutive dermatitis patients in Australia, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Spain, and Sweden. A questionnaire assessing exposure to limonene-containing products was completed.

RESULTS:

Overall, exposure to products containing limonene was found and assessed as being probably relevant for the patients' dermatitis in 36% of the limonene-allergic patients. In Barcelona and Copenhagen, > 70% of the patients were judged to have had an exposure to limonene assessed as relevant.

CONCLUSIONS:

Oxidized R-limonene is a common fragrance allergen, and limonene was frequently found in the labelling on the patients' products, and assessed as relevant for the patients' dermatitis. A large number of domestic and occupational sources for contact with R-limonene were identified.

• Authors: Johanna Bråred Christensson, Klaus E Andersen, Magnus Bruze, Jeanne D Johansen, Begoña Garcia-Bravo, Ana Gimenez Arnau, Chee-Leok Goh, Rosemary Nixon, Ian R White
• Journal: Contact dermatitis (Contact Dermatitis) Vol. 71 Issue 5 Pg. 264-72 (Nov 2014) ISSN: 1600-0536 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25099087 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chemical References

• Cyclohexenes
• Perfume
• Terpenes
• Limonene

Topics

• Cyclohexenes (adverse effects)
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (etiology)
• Female
• Household Products (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Limonene
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)
• Oxidation-Reduction
• Patch Tests
• Perfume (adverse effects)
• Terpenes (adverse effects)