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Background For cosmetics, it is mandatory to label 26 fragrance substances, including all constituents of fragrance mix I ( FM I) and fragrance mix II ( FM II). Earlier reports have not included oxidized R-limonene [hydroperoxides of R-limonene ( Lim- OOH)] and oxidized linalool [hydroperoxides of linalool ( Lin- OOH)], and breakdown testing of FM I and FM II has mainly been performed in selected, mix-positive patients. Objectives To report the prevalence of sensitization to the 26 fragrances, and to assess concomitant reactivity to FM I and/or FM II. Methods A cross-sectional study on consecutive dermatitis patients patch tested with the 26 fragrances and the European baseline series from 2010 to 2015 at a single university clinic was performed. Results Of 6004 patients, 940 (15.7%, 95% CI: 14.7-16.6%) were fragrance-sensitized. Regarding the single fragrances, most patients were sensitized to Lin- OOH (3.9%), Evernia furfuracea (3.0%), Lim- OOH (2.5%), and hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (2.1%). Significantly fewer patients were ' FM I-positive and constituent-positive' than ' FM II-positive and constituent-positive' (32.7% versus 57.0%, p < 0.0001). Additionally, significantly more patients were ' FM II-negative but constituent-positive' than ' FM I-negative but constituent-positive' (12.4% versus 3.2%, p = 0.0008). Conclusions Non-mix fragrances are the most important single fragrance allergens among consecutive patients. The test concentration of the single FM I constituents should be increased when possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EU legislation has reduced the epidemic of nickel contact allergy affecting the consumer, and shifted the focus towards occupational exposure. The acid wipe sampling technique was developed to quantitatively determine skin exposure to metals. To assess the clinical usefulness of the acid wipe sampling technique as part of the diagnostic investigation for occupational nickel allergy-associated hand dermatitis. Six patients with vesicular dermatitis on the hands were included. Acid wipe sampling of skin and patch testing with a nickel sulfate dilution series were performed. Nickel was detected in all samples from the hands. In all patients, the nickel content on the hands was higher than on the non-exposed control area. Occupational exposure to nickel-releasing items raised the nickel content on exposed skin as compared with a non-exposed control site. Nickel-reducing measures led to complete symptom relief in all cases. In cases of a positive nickel patch test reaction and hand eczema, patients should perform the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test on metallic items at home and at work. The acid wipe sampling technique is useful for the diagnosis of occupational hand eczema following screening with the inexpensive DMG test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author focuses on regulation of chromium in leather in European Union (EU) countries for prevention of dermatitis and allergy to the metal. It states that the metal is used in leather tanning for softness and durability. It mentions that a regulation was passed in Denmark to limit chromium in leather as chromium allergy was observed in Danish workers.