Background: Contact sensitization is frequent among patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) (52%-76%).Objective: To evaluate the frequency of sensitization/photosensitization in an FFA population.Methods: A population of FFA patients were patch tested (Spanish Contact Dermatitis Research Group [GEIDAC] baseline; cosmetic and fragrance series), and photopatch tested (sunscreen series).Results: Thirty-six patients (mean age: 64.6 years; 35/36: women) were studied. A history of dermatitis was recorded in 69.4% (frequently involving the face). Overall, 80.5% patients showed positive patch-test reactions. The most frequently positive allergens were nickel sulfate (25%), benzyl salicylate (22%), gallates (16.6%), propolis (16.6%), and limonene hydroperoxides (13.8%). Benzyl salicylate was likely relevant to the dermatitis (labeled on personal care products and most patients reporting clinical improvement with allergen avoidance). Patch tests with sunscreens showed positive reactions to 11 materials (five patients). Photopatch tests were positive in one case. Conclusion:We speculate a possible relationship between sensitization to benzyl salicylate and FFA. Hypothetically, the most likely explanation is that sensitization to benzyl salicylate involving FFA patients is a consequence of increased exposure to it.It is unclear whether allergen avoidance may impact the prognosis of alopecia. However, it seems to significantly improve the patients´quality of life by lessening dermatitis and pruritus. K E Y W O R D S allergic contact dermatitis, benzyl salicylate (CAS no. 118-58-1), fragrance, frontal fibrosing alopecia, gallates, patch tests, photopatch tests, propolis, scarring alopecia, sunscreen 1 | INTRODUCTION Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is an inflammatory type of alopecia in which lichenoid lymphocytic infiltrates lead to perifollicular fibrosis and irreversible loss of follicles. It mainly concerns the frontal, The authors do not have any conflicts of interest to declare.

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