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Background: Fragrance substances are a frequent cause of contact allergy worldwide. Fragrance exposure varies by sex, age and possibly country, influenced by cosmetic availability, environmental conditions and cultural practices. Objectives: To systematically review and gather prevalence of sensitization to fragrance mix I (FM I) and fragrance mix II (FM II) in consecutively patch tested European dermatitis patients. Method: A total of 4134 publications on patch test results of European dermatitis patients, published from 1981 to 2022, were systematically reviewed according to a previously registered and published PROSPERO protocol. Results: Eighty‐four eligible original articles were analysed. Overall prevalence of sensitization to fragrance mix I (FM I) was 6.81% (95% CI: 6.37–7.28), and FM II was 3.64% (95% CI: 3.3–4.01). Sensitization to FM I was most prevalent in Central and Eastern Europe and to FM II in Western Europe. No clear time trends were observed. Among paediatric dermatitis patients, sensitization prevalence for FM I and FM II was 4.09% (95% CI: 3.37–4.96) and 2.17% (95% CI: 1.53–3.07). Conclusion: The frequency of positive patch test results for both FMI and FMII remains high. Sensitization is also prevalent among children. Enhanced regulation and labelling of cosmetic products play a vital role in averting exposure and sensitization to fragrance allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis are frequent conditions in the general population. Objectives: To provide an updated estimate of the prevalence of contact allergy in the general population based on data from our previous review combined with new data from an updated search for relevant studies published between 2007 and 2017. Methods: Two authors independently searched PubMed for studies reporting on the prevalence of contact allergy in samples of the general population. Proportion meta‐analyses were performed to calculate the pooled prevalence estimates of contact allergy. Results: A total of 28 studies were included in the analysis, covering 20 107 patch tested individuals from the general population. Overall, the pooled prevalence of contact allergy was 20.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.8%‐23.7%). In children and adolescents (<18 years), the prevalence was 16.5% (95%CI: 13.6%‐19.7%). The prevalence was significantly higher in women (27.9% [95%CI: 21.7%‐34.5%]) than in men (13.2% [95%CI: 9.3%‐17.6%]). The most common allergen was nickel (11.4% [95%CI: 9.4%‐13.5%]), followed by fragrance mix I (3.5% [95%CI: 2.1%‐5.4%]), cobalt (2.7% [95%CI: 2.1%‐3.4%]), Myroxylon pereirae (1.8% [95%CI: 1.0%‐2.7%]), chromium (1.8% [95%CI: 1.3%‐2.6%]), p‐phenylenediamine (1.5% [95%CI: 1.0%‐2.1%]), methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (1.5% [95%CI: 0.8%‐2.5%]), and colophonium (1.3% [95%CI: 1.0%‐1.6%]). Conclusions: This meta‐analysis confirmed that at least 20% of the general population are contact‐allergic to common environmental allergens. It highlights the need for more effective preventive strategies for common allergens in consumer goods, cosmetics, and the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the European baseline series (EBS) of contact allergens (haptens) which is used in Europe as a patch test screen in the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis. It comments on an update of the EBS with the European Society of Contact Dermatitis working group European Surveillance System of Contact Allergy to provide evidence-based changes to the series. It mentions specific haptens that have not been included in the EBS including sodium metabisulfite, and decyl glucoside.

Background: Contact allergy to oxidized limonene, with hydroperoxides of limonene (Lim-OOHs) as the main allergens, is common. However, high proportions of weak positive and doubtful patch test reactions have been reported., Objectives: To determine the clinical relevance, elicitation threshold and dose-response relationship of Lim-OOHs in individuals with a positive or doubtful patch test reaction to standard Lim-OOHs 0.3% pet., Methods: A multicentre 3-week double-blind vehicle-controlled repeated open application test (ROAT) study with a simulated fine fragrance containing Lim-OOHs at 1260, 420 and 140 ppm, equal to a dose/area per application of Lim-OOHs of 3.0, 0.99 and 0.33 μg/cm 2 , was performed., Results: Among 11 subjects allergic to Lim-OOHs, 11 (100%), 7 (64%), and 3 (27%), respectively, reacted to the applied doses. No reactions were seen in 17 healthy controls exposed to the highest dose. This difference in reactivity was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Among 13 subjects with doubtful patch test reactions to Lim-OOHs, two (15%) had positive ROAT reactions to the highest Lim-OOH dose applied (P = 0.36 as compared with controls)., Conclusions: Contact allergy to Lim-OOHs is of clinical relevance in patients with positive patch test reactions. A doubtful patch test reaction to Lim-OOHs 0.3% pet. can be of clinical relevance., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)