Contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis caused by lavender: A retrospective study from an Australian clinic

Abstract

Results:Among the 2178 patients patch tested with lavender over this period, a total of 58 positive reactions were recorded in 49 individuals, giving a positive patch test prevalence for patients tested with lavender of 2.2%. Twenty-seven patients were diagnosed with ACD. The most common sources of exposure to lavender were personal care products and essential oils.Of the patients with ACD, 74% were tested with lavender absolute, with positive results in 90% of cases.Conclusion: Lavender is an uncommon cause of ACD but is important to consider, given the potential for exposure through the use of personal care items and essential oils.allergic contact dermatitis, essential oil, face eczema, hand dermatitis, hand eczema, lavender, patch test, sensitization

Allergic contact dermatitis, mimicking atopic dermatitis, associated with the use of essential oils in “home‐made” cosmetics and aromatherapy diffusers

“…Linalool, a fragrance terpene present in many cosmetics and household products, and a major component of lavender, is a well-known cause of (airborne) allergic contact dermatitis. 4,8,9 We report this case to highlight that electronic ultrasonic diffusers and "home-made" cosmetics and remedies may well be overlooked allergen sources of this sensitizer. 10 Moreover, this case illustrates that patch tests need to be considered in patients with (therapy-resistant) AD, and preferably before a systemic treatment is initiated.…”

Aromatherapy and occupational allergic contact dermatitis: Two further cases caused by lavender oil and other essential oils

“…For this reason, it is important to advise patients who are allergic to perfumes to avoid “natural” products. A recent study showed that the prevalence of contact allergy to lavender was 2.2%, and that the three most frequent concomitant positive reactions were to fragrance mix I, fragrance mix II, and Myroxylon pereirae resin . It is important to remember that the exposure to lavender could go unreported, because patients have the false belief that anything “natural” is “safe.”…”

What Is New in Occupational Allergic Contact Dermatitis in the Year of the COVID Pandemic?

“…Prevalence appears to be lower in North America, with one study finding a 0.3% positivity rate [57]. A more recent Australian study reported a positive patch test prevalence of 2.2% [58], Occupational ACD to lavender has been reported in the literature. For example, a hairdresser presenting with hand dermatitis was found to have allergy to lavender oil that was present in the shampoo used at her workplace [59].…”