Multicentre study of allergic contact cheilitis from toothpastes

The present work reports the results of a multicentre study of toothpaste a llergic contact cheilitis (TACC) conducted by GIRDCA (Gruppo Italiano Ricer ca Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali). The study examined 54 patients with eczematous lesions on the lips, the possible cause of which was suspected to be the use of toothpastes. Patch tests were conducted with a standard se ries, a specially-targeted series (toothpaste cheilitis series, TCS), and w ith suspected toothpaste(s). A stop-restart test (SRT) was carried out with these, together with a use test to identify possible alternative products. The TCS produced 17 positive reactions in 13 patients, the most frequent b eing to spearmint oil. Of the 54 patients, 5 displayed positive reactions o nly to the TCS. The patch tests with toothpaste produced positive reactions in 11/32 patients, the SRT a positive response in 10/12 cases. The diagnos is of TACC was confirmed in 15/54 patients. Alternative products were ident ified for 5 patients. In conclusion, the allergens most frequently responsi ble for TACC were the flavourings, and the additional series proved to be u seful in many cases (together with patch tests with toothpastes and the SRT ) for correct diagnosis and to initiate effective prevention.