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Kumkum‐induced dermatitis: an analysis of 46 cases
Author(s) -
Nath A. K.,
Thappa D. M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2007.02422.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dermatology , thimerosal , allergic contact dermatitis , contact dermatitis , forehead , patch testing , patch test , allergy , surgery , immunology
Summary Kumkum is a commonly used cosmetic in India, traditionally based on turmeric powder, and its ingredients can cause various types of dermatosis. We undertook a study to characterize kumkum‐induced dermatitis clinically and to identify by patch testing the allergens involved. In total, 46 patients with kumkum‐induced dermatitis (mean age of these cases 46.5 years; female : male ratio 1.8 : 1) were investigated. The forehead was the most commonly involved site (31/46), followed by the glabellar area (16/46), hair parting (6/46), abdomen (5/46), and neck (3/46). Pigmented contact dermatitis was seen in 35 patients (76.1%), and allergic contact dermatitis in 11 patients (23.9%). In total, 25 patients were patch tested. The commonest positive allergic reaction was to thimerosal (18/25, 72%), followed by gallate mix (12/25, 48%). Para ‐phenylenediamine, Kathon CG, benzotriazol, tert‐butyl hydroquinone and parabens gave a reaction for one patient each (1/25, 4%). Patch testing with kumkum was positive in 7 of 13 patients tested.