Identification of risk products for fragrance contact allergy: A case-referent study based on patientsʹ histories

image Fragrances are the first or second most common cause of contact allergy in dermatitis patients. image The aim of this study was to identify risk products for fragrance contact allergy. image The design was a case-control study with a case group of 78 fragrance-mix—positive eczema patients and two control groups, one consisting of 1,279 subjects selected as a random sample of the general population and the other consisting of 806 fragrance-mix—negative eczema patients. The identification of risk products was based on the patientsʹ histories of rash to scented products. Analysis of the associations between first-time rash caused by different specified product categories and fragrance mix sensitivity was performed using logistic regression. image It was found that first-time rash caused by deodorant sprays and/or perfumes were related to fragrance contact allergy in a comparison with both control groups. The risk (odds ratio) of being diagnosed as fragrance allergic was 2.3 to 2.9 greater in cases of a history of first-time rash to deodorant sprays and 3.3 to 3.4 greater in cases of a history of rash to perfumes than if no such history were present. First-time rash to cleansing agents, deodorant sticks, or hand lotions was also statistically significant but only in comparison with one of the control groups. image Safety evaluation of fragrance materials used in perfumes and deodorant sprays should be performed with special attention.