An international multicentre study on the allergenic activity of air-oxidized R-limonene.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Limonene is a common fragrance terpene that, in its pure form, is not allergenic or is a very weak allergen. However, limonene autoxidizes on air exposure, and the oxidation products can cause contact allergy. Oxidized R-limonene has previously been patch tested in multicentre studies, giving 2-3% positive patch test reactions in consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate whether oxidized R-limonene 3.0% in petrolatum, with a stable concentration of the main haptens, limonene hydroperoxides (Lim-OOHs), could be a useful tool for the detection of contact allergy in an international setting.

METHODS:

Oxidized R-limonene 3.0% (Lim-OOHs 0.33%) pet. was tested in 2900 consecutive dermatitis patients in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and Australia.

RESULTS:

Overall, 5.2% (range 2.3-12.1%) of the patients showed a positive patch test reaction to oxidized R-limonene. Doubtful reactions were found in 7.0% of the patients (range 0-24%). Few irritant reactions were seen.

CONCLUSIONS:

Oxidized R-limonene at 3.0% pet. with a specified content of Lim-OOHs 0.33% is a standardized and useful tool for the detection of contact allergy in dermatitis patients. Many patients showing positive patch test reactions to oxidized R-limonene would not be informed of their fragrance allergy if this specific test had not been performed.

• Authors: Johanna Bråred Christensson, Klaus E Andersen, Magnus Bruze, Jeanne D Johansen, Begoña Garcia-Bravo, Ana Giménez-Arnau, Chee-Leok Goh, Rosemary Nixon, Ian R White
• Journal: Contact dermatitis (Contact Dermatitis) Vol. 68 Issue 4 Pg. 214-23 (Apr 2013) ISSN: 1600-0536 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23510342 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Cyclohexenes
• Irritants
• Terpenes
• Limonene

Topics

• Adult
• Allergens (adverse effects, immunology)
• Australia
• Cyclohexenes (adverse effects, immunology)
• Denmark
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (etiology, immunology)
• Female
• Humans
• International Cooperation
• Irritants
• Limonene
• Male
• Mass Screening (methods)
• Oxidation-Reduction
• Patch Tests (methods)
• Risk Assessment
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Singapore
• Spain
• Sweden
• Terpenes (adverse effects, immunology)
• United Kingdom