Design and Feasibility of an International Study Assessing the Prevalence of Contact Allergy to Fragrances in the General Population: The European Dermato-Epidemiology Network Fragrance Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: Data on contact allergy to fragrances in the general population are limited. Data from allergological services suggest that the frequency of contact allergy to fragrances is increasing. The European Dermato-Epidemiology Network (EDEN) Fragrance Study aims to obtain reliable data on the prevalence of contact allergy to fragrances and other sensitizers of the European baseline series, in the general population of different geographical areas of Europe. We report the methodology and the reliability of instruments adopted and discuss the feasibility based on a pilot phase. Methods: Descriptive epidemiology survey. A random sample from the general population is selected and interviewed, and is offered patch testing in a randomized way. We specifically enquire about any skin rash reported during the previous year, and any history of reactions to products that may contain the sensitizer and/or a history of avoidance of the same products. Patch test data are linked to the questionnaire information to define clinical relevance. Results: The questionnaire showed high test-retest reliability in 94 individuals. Patch test reading also showed a high level of interrater reliability. During the pilot phase, a total of 589 participants were recruited. Conclusions: The EDEN Fragrance Study is feasible and able to provide useful data on fragrance allergy.

Comments on ‘Prevalence of contact allergy in the general population in different European regions’ and ‘Prevalence of fragrance contact allergy in the general population of five European countries: a cross-sectional study’

“…The authors also state that less than 1% refused to be patch tested, which seems to be unusually low for a random sample of the general population. This is also in contrast to information previously presented in a pilot study, 4 where it is said that "…about 25% of individuals representing potential cases who agreed initially to be patch tested refused later on to do so…".…”

Ultraviolet Exposure and Protection Behavior in the General Population: A Structured Interview Survey

“…We used the opportunity of a representative sample being drawn from the general population for the EDEN Fragrance Study [5,6]. Analysis of the demographic data showed that all age groups, social groups, and income categories were represented (data not shown).…”

“…Jena is a university city with approximately 100,000 inhabitants, located in the eastern part of Germany, south of the capital city of Berlin. With the help of the local residents' registration office, a random sample of 1,500 people from Jena and 500 from the neighboring town of Apolda was drawn, as described in detail elsewhere [5,6]. A standard invitation to participate, containing information about this study and a prepaid reply letter, was sent to each potential participant older than 18 years.…”

“…We used the opportunity of the EDEN (European Dermato-Epidemiology Network) Fragrance Study being conducted in our department to perform an additional structured interview survey on a representative population sample of volunteers [5,6]. The aim of the EDEN Study was to evaluate the prevalence of sensitization to fragrances and hair colorants in a representative sample of the general population in Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden.…”

Occupational Contact Dermatitis in 10,582 French Patients Reported between 2004 and 2007: A Descriptive Study

“…Although hairdressing is one of the professions most affected in the sector (9.8% of cases of OCD), hair products are not amongst the allergens most frequently mentioned. One might wonder about the incidence of fragrance and cosmetics in this population [33], but this cannot be studied from our data as fragrances are not grounds for recognition as an occupational disease. …”