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Level of use and safety of botanical products for itching vulvar dermatoses. Are patch tests useful?
Author(s) -
Corazza Monica,
Virgili Annarosa,
Toni Giulia,
Minghetti Sara,
Tiengo Silvia,
Borghi Alessandro
Publication year - 2016
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.12559
Subject(s) - medicine , itching , dermatology , allergic contact dermatitis , adverse effect , cosmetics , contact dermatitis , allergy , incidence (geometry) , vulva , pathology , physics , optics , immunology
Summary Background Topical remedies based on botanical ingredients are popular. Objectives To assess: (i) the usage of botanical substances in subjects affected with itching and chronic vulvar complaints; (ii) the incidence of side‐effects associated with their use and the frequency of contact allergy; (iii) the diagnostic usefulness of patch testing. Methods Sixty‐six patients were provided with a questionnaire to assess the prevalence and type of topical botanical preparations used and the occurrence of adverse reactions. Patients were patch tested with (i) the Italian baseline series, (ii) a topical medicament series, and (iii) a botanical series. Results Forty‐two patients (63.6%) reported the use of natural topical products on the vulva. Seven (16.7%) noted adverse reactions; 27 showed positive reactions with the baseline series; 14 (21.2%) had at least one relevant reaction, mainly to allergens in topical products and cosmetics; and 2 (3%) showed positive reactions to the botanical series. Of the 7 patients complaining of adverse effects of botanical products, 3 (42.8%) showed relevant sensitization. Conclusions The use of natural topical products is widespread among women affected with itching vulvar diseases. Contact dermatitis is a possible adverse effect. Botanical series are of questionable usefulness, owing to the wide variety of botanical ingredients.