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Contact dermatitis from propolis
Author(s) -
WANSCHER BIRGITTE
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1976.tb06125.x
Subject(s) - propolis , contact dermatitis , dermatology , medicine , traditional medicine , immunology , allergy
SUMMARY Two patients with contact dermatitis due to the natural product propolis (bee glue) are reported. They presented perioral eczema and stomatitis which were recalcitrant until propolis was considered as the cause. Patch tests with propolis preparations were positive in both patients, and, furthermore, in the second patient the lesions relapsed after provocation tests. European standard patch tests including balsam of Peru were negative. The complexity of propolis, its supposed anti‐inflammatory effect due to flavonoids, and the sensitizing agents originating mainly from the poplar trees are discussed together with the cross‐sensitization to balsam of Peru. Contact dermatitis due to propolis should he considered in unexplained eczemas, mainly perioral but also in other areas, as propolis preparations are available also as ointments and cosmetic creams.