THE OCCURRENCE AND PATTERN OF FRAGRANCE CONTACT ALLERGY AND ITS CLINICAL RELEVANCE IN PATIENTS WITH HISTORY OF CONTACT WITH FRAGRANCES

Background: Fragrances are common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. General population suffering from fragrance contact allergy (FCA) range from 1-4%. Objective: We conducted this study to define the occurrence and pattern of Fragrance contact Allergy and its clinical relevance in a sample of patients with history of contact with Fragrances. Study Design: Observational study. Place and Duration: This study was carried out in the department of Dermatology of PIMS Islamabad from December, 2018 to November, 2019 for the duration of 12 months. Methodology: Patients of age 15-60 years, of either sex, having recurrent red or itchy skin lesions and were suspected of Allergic contact dermatitis to Fragrances, presenting to the Department of Dermatology of PIMS Islamabad were enrolled in the study. Patch testing was performed with European standard series (ESS) and Fragrance standard series. Patches were left in place for 48 hours and then removed. Patch test readings were taken at 48 hours, 72 hours and at 120 hours after application of allergens. Patch testing was performed in all patients on their upper back. Results: Fragrance contact allergy was detected in 16.5% (24/145) patients. ESS detected 12 patients. FSS detected 24 patients, means FSS detected 12 more patients that ESS would have missed if used alone. No single allergen was detected as more common than others.FM-II, Jasmine and sandal wood oil was commoner than others responsible for 2% of cases each. Conclusion: Fragrance contact allergy is common in population of Faisalabad due to availability of diverse type of cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, deodorants& body sprays. Keywords: Allergens, cosmetics, Allergic contact dermatitis