Deodorants: a clinical provocation study in fragrance-sensitive individuals.

Abstract

Deodorants are one of the most marketed types of cosmetics and are frequently reported as a cause of dermatitis, particularly among fragrance-sensitive persons. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of deodorants, which had previously caused axillary dermatitis in fragrance-mix-sensitive eczema patients, to provoke reactions on repeated open application tests on the upper arm and in the axillae, and to relate the findings to the content of fragrance-mix constituents in those deodorants. 14 eczema patients performed a 7-day use test with 1 or 2 deodorants that had caused a rash within the last 12 months. 2 applications per day were made in the axilla and simultaneously on a 25 cm2 area on the upper arm. A total of 20 deodorants were tested among the 14 patients. Afterwards, the deodorants were subjected to quantitative chemical analysis identifying constituents of the fragrance mix. 12/20 (60%) deodorants elicited eczema on use testing in the axilla. 8/12 deodorants were positive in the axilla on day (D) 7 and 4 both in the axilla and on the upper arm. 2 of the 4 developed a reaction in the axilla before it developed on the upper arm. Chemical analysis revealed that 18/19 deodorants contained between 1 and 6 of the fragrance-mix constituents, on average 3 being found. The mean concentration of fragrance-mix constituents was generally higher in the deodorants causing a positive use test, as compared with those giving a negative reaction, indicating that the differences between the deodorants in terms of elicitation potential were more related to quantitative aspects of allergen content than of a qualitative nature. It is recommended that deodorants are tested in the axilla in the case of a negative use test on the upper arm and a strong clinical suspicion.

• Authors: J D Johansen, S C Rastogi, M Bruze, K E Andersen, P Frosch, B Dreier, J P Lepoittevin, I White, T Menné
• Journal: Contact dermatitis (Contact Dermatitis) Vol. 39 Issue 4 Pg. 161-5 (Oct 1998) ISSN: 0105-1873 [Print] England
• PMID: 9817220 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Deodorants
• Perfume

Topics

• Allergens (adverse effects)
• Deodorants (adverse effects, analysis, chemistry)
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (etiology)
• Eczema (chemically induced)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Patch Tests (methods)
• Perfume (adverse effects)
• Skin (drug effects, pathology)