Allergic contact dermatitis from aromatherapy

Abstract

Allergic contact dermatitis secondary to aromatherapy has been only rarely reported. We present 39-year-old woman who had used aromatherapy products for approximately 2 to 3 years who presented with an erythematous eruption on her face and chest. Patch testing showed a positive reaction to neomycin and fragrance mix. On cessation of her aromatherapy products, her eruption rapidly resolved. Aromatherapy products containing essential oils may need to be considered as a cause of allergic contact dermatitis because of the increasing popularity of this treatment.

Contact dermatitis from white flower embrocation

“…There has been increased reporting of sensitization to herbal remedies and aromatherapy products, the latter both occupationally and non‐occupationally (2, 3). This case illustrates the value of performing an open test to assess contact allergies to topical medicaments.…”

Use of Aromatherapy Products and Increased Risk of Hand Dermatitis in Massage Therapists

“…Many reports have implicated aromatherapy products in the production of contact allergy. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] However, only 2 (4%) of these same respondents listed aromatherapy products as potential aggravators of their hand dermatitis.…”

“…Allergic contact dermatitis to aromatherapy products has been demonstrated in several case reports and small case series. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] The spectrum of skin reactions includes allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, and phototoxic reactions. [18][19][20] Observations in our clinic and a case series by Taraska and Pratt 13 suggest an increase in the use of aromatherapy oils by massage therapists and a possible heightened risk of hand dermatitis.…”

Dermatologic Manifestations of Complementary Therapy

“…Tables I–III 8–55 outline in concise fashion cutaneous reactions to herbs ingested or applied topically for the treatment of skin disorders, as well as those herbs used orally and topically for the treatment of other diseases. Table IV 51,57–73 describes cutaneous reactions caused by other alternative therapies.…”