Frequency of sensitization to the individual fragrances of fragrance mix I and II according to the factors included in the MOAHLFA index

Abstract

Background: Fragrances constitute the second most frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis in Spain.

Objectives: To determine the rate of sensitization to the individual fragrances of fragrance mix (FM) I and FM II for each of the demographic and clinical factors included in the MOAHLFA (male, occupational dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, hand dermatitis, leg dermatitis, facial dermatitis, age) index.

Methods: We conducted a 5-year retrospective study in 23 Spanish centres. We identified the patients who had undergone patch testing with a specific fragrance series after reacting positively to fragrance markers in a baseline series. We obtained the MOAHLFA index items in this population, then calculated for each demographic and clinical factor the frequencies of sensitization to the individual fragrances of FM I and FM II.

Results: A specific fragrance series was patch tested in 1013 patients. The most frequent allergens in men, women, children, and retired people were Evernia prunastri (16%), geraniol (16.6%), isoeugenol (17.9%), and geraniol (22.4%), respectively. Citral (20.5%) and hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (HICC) (14.5%) were the most common allergens in occupational eczemas and were also associated with a large proportion of hand and facial dermatitis.

Conclusions: Frequency of sensitization to the individual fragrances of FM I and FM II varies with age, sex, affected body region, and history of occupational or atopic dermatitis.

Keywords: MOAHLFA index; allergic contact dermatitis; epidemiology; fragrances; patch test.