Testing with fine fragrances in eczema patients - Results and test methods

The frequencies of contact allergic reactions to 2 fine fragrances were stu died by patch testing. Further, a comparison was made of test results befor e and after evaporation of the solvent. A total of 480 consecutive eczema p atients were included, 100 in the Dortmund clinic and 380 in the Gentofte c linic. Patch testing was done with 2 international brand prestige fragrance s. Each fragrance was tested in duplicate. One was applied immediately and the other was allowed to dry for 5 min before application. Testing procedur es and assessment of reactions followed the international recommendations. In Dortmund 11% (11/100) and in Gentofte 5.8% (22/380) gave a positive patc h test reaction to one or both of the fine fragrances. Assessments done in Gentofte showed that in 73% of the cases the positive reaction indicated a clinically relevant fragrance allergy. More irritant reactions were found t o the wet, non-evaporated form of the fragrances compared with the dried fo rm, while the method of testing did not significantly influence the number of positive reactions. It is recommended that patch testing be performed wi th hydro-alcoholic fragrance products after evaporation of the solvent.