Linalool - a significant contact sensitizer after air exposure

• Background: Linalool is a widely used fragrance terpene. Pure linalool is not allergenic or a very weak allergen, but autoxidizes on air exposure and the oxidation products can cause contact allergy. Oxidized (ox.) linalool has previously been patch tested at a concentration of 2.0% in petrolatum (pet.) in 1511 patients, and 1.3% positive patch test reactions were observed. Objective: To investigate the optimal patch test concentration for detection of contact allergy to ox. linalool. Methods: Four concentrations of ox. linalool (2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0%, 11.0% pet.) were tested in 3418 consecutive dermatitis patients. Results: Ox. linalool 2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0%, and 11.0% pet. detected positive patch test reactions in 0.83%, 3.2%, 5.3%, and 7.2% of the tested patients, respectively. The doubtful reactions increased with rising concentrations but relatively less, giving 5.1%, 6.4%, and 7.3% doubtful reactions, respectively, for ox. linalool 4.0%, 6.0%, and 11.0% pet. Few irritative reactions were seen. Conclusions: Raising the patch test concentration for ox. linalool gave a better detection of contact allergy, as many as 5-7% positive patch test reactions were detected. We suggest a patch test concentration of ox. linalool 6.0% pet. for future patch testing, giving a dose per unit area of 2.4 mg/cm(2) when 20 mg test substance is tested in small Finn Chambers (R).

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Dermatologi och venereologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dermatology and Venereal Diseases (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

patch

test concentration

patch testing

terpenes

oxidation products

linalool

hydroperoxides

fragrance allergy

dose per unit area

allergic contact dermatitis

autoxidation

allergic contact dermatitis • autoxidation • dose per unit area • fragrance allergy • hydroperoxides • linalool • oxidation products • patch test concentration • patch testing • terpenes

Publikations- och innehållstyp

art (ämneskategori)

ref (ämneskategori)