Analysis of Hypersensitivity in Fragrance Series by Patch Testing

INTRODUCTION: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an inflammatory disorder, which occurs as a result of repeated contact with an allergen. Fragrances are the products obtained naturally or produced synthetically. The purpose of this study is to detect the fragrance allergens producing ACD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an open-label prospective observational study. Patients of age above 18 years with history of using cosmetic products with dermatitis lesions over face, neck, axilla and hands were included. Patch testing was done with fragrance series by using the standard technique. The results were interpreted on day 2 and day 4 as recommended by International Contact Dermatitis Research Group criteria. RESULTS: Totally 27 patients were included in this study. Of them, 12 were males and 15 were females; the mean age was 43 years. The mean duration of symptoms was 12.5 months. The most common site of involvement was hands. Housewives and office workers were the most commonly affected occupational groups. The most commonly used category of cosmetic product was talcum powders by 13 (48.1%) patients. In this study, 85.18% patients showed at least one fragrance antigen positivity. Fragrance mix II is the most frequent allergen in this study. DISCUSSION: We conclude that the fragrance mix II is an important marker to find out fragrance allergy. Hand dermatitis is the most common presentation in patients with fragrance allergy. Perfumed talcum powders, soaps and perfumes are the leading sources of sensitization to fragrance allergens.