Premium
An international multicentre study on the allergenic activity of air‐oxidized R ‐limonene
Author(s) -
Bråred Christensson Johanna,
Andersen Klaus E.,
Bruze Magnus,
Johansen Jeanne D.,
GarciaBravo Begoña,
GiménezArnau Ana,
Goh CheeLeok,
Nixon Rosemary,
White Ian R.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.12036
Subject(s) - limonene , patch test , contact allergy , allergy , allergic contact dermatitis , dermatology , allergen , terpene , contact dermatitis , patch testing , medicine , chemistry , organic chemistry , food science , immunology , essential oil
Background. Limonene is a common fragrance terpene that, in its pure form, is not allergenic or is a very weak allergen. However, limonene autoxidizes on air exposure, and the oxidation products can cause contact allergy. Oxidized R ‐limonene has previously been patch tested in multicentre studies, giving 2–3% positive patch test reactions in consecutive patients. Objectives. To investigate whether oxidized R ‐limonene 3.0% in petrolatum, with a stable concentration of the main haptens, limonene hydroperoxides (Lim‐OOHs), could be a useful tool for the detection of contact allergy in an international setting. Methods. Oxidized R ‐limonene 3.0% (Lim‐OOHs 0.33%) pet. was tested in 2900 consecutive dermatitis patients in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and Australia. Results. Overall, 5.2% (range 2.3–12.1%) of the patients showed a positive patch test reaction to oxidized R ‐limonene. Doubtful reactions were found in 7.0% of the patients (range 0–24%). Few irritant reactions were seen. Conclusions. Oxidized R ‐limonene at 3.0% pet. with a specified content of Lim‐OOHs 0.33% is a standardized and useful tool for the detection of contact allergy in dermatitis patients. Many patients showing positive patch test reactions to oxidized R ‐limonene would not be informed of their fragrance allergy if this specific test had not been performed.