Fragrance has been chosen of American Contact Dermatitis Society as 'Allergen of the year 2007'.
A perfume may contain hundreds of different chemical, named
fragrances, which are complex substances. More than 2,800 fragrance
ingredients are known and at least 1000 of these ingredients are known
allergen.
Recently, the European Union (EU) designated 26 fragrance allergens as requiring labeling on cosmetic and detergent products.
Many persons are sensitive to fragrances (ie, have positive
patch-test reactions), but not all of these individuals have clinical
allergies to fragrances (allergic contact dermatitis, ACD). Allergy is
a disease whereas a positive patch-test result is an allergic reaction.
Thus one may be sensitive (ie, by patch testing) to fragrance, but not
necessarily develop clinical allergy (ie, ACD).
When dermatologists advise their patients to avoid all fragranced
products on the basis of a very weak positive (maybe irritant)
fragrance mix patch-test reaction, the dermatologist deprive the
patients of one of life's pleasures.
Certainly, patients with very strong product fragrance material
use-test or patch-test reactions should be urged to use more caution
when selecting scented products.
Much mystery still surrounds fragrances and perfumes. Therefore
many people seek "natural" scents, which may, however, give rise to
troublesome allergies.
Reference: Frances J. Storrs. Allergen of the year. Dermatitis: 2007;18(1):3-7.
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