Fragrance contact dermatitis: a worldwide multicenter investigation (Part II)

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of responses to se lected fragrance materials in patients who were fragrance sensitive. 178 pa tients were evaluated in 8 centers worldwide with a fragrance mix (FM) and 20 other fragrance materials. Reaction to the fragrance mixture (FM) occurr ed in 78.7% of the subjects. Substances reacting at a rate of 2% or higher included jasmine absolute, geranium oil bourbon, 1-citronellol, spearmint o il, 1,3,4,6.7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta-gamma -2-ben ome ga-6-hexadecenlactone, dimethyltetrahydrobenzaldehyde (isomer mixture), and alpha -amylcinnamaldehyde. These chemicals should be furthur evaluated to corroborate their allergenicity. We are constantly looking for new fragranc e allergens to extend the diagnostic capability of the fragrance mix (FM).