Temperature dependent primary irritant dermatitis from lemon perfume

Abstract

In a recent outbreak of hand eczema amongst cleaning personnel after the introduction of a new, lemon-scented detergent, it was noted that the patients complained of a burning, stinging sensation when their hands were submerged in hot detergent solutions. Since routine patch testing with the Standard Series and perfume components was of no help in pinpointing the responsible agent, testing with selected perfume components was repeated at higher temperatures. Identical tests were placed on both forearms for 20 min, one arm being exposed to 43 degrees C, the other to 23-25 degrees C. Little or no reaction was seen on the "cold" arm, whereas the lemon perfume component Citral proved to be a strong primary irritant at higher temperatures. Histological examination of the test sites showed the reaction to be of a toxic (primary irritant) nature. Surprisingly, the toxic character could still be recongized in biopsies taken as late as 48 h after exposure. It is suggested that: 1. Heat plays an important part in the outbreak of primary irritant (toxic) dermatitis and can be used as an accelerating factor when testing for primary irritants. 2. It is important to be sure that detergents and detergent perfumes do not contain substances which act as irritants at the temperatures at which they are habitually used (45-50 degrees C). 3. We probably ought to use lukewarm rather than hot water for manual dishwashing and cleaning whenever it is possible.

DEPSCoR 99 Percutaneous Absorption, Skin Biophysics and Dermatotoxicity from JP-8 Jet Fuel

“…Diffusibility of a chemical substance through the SC is an important factor affecting irritation which depends on a complex interaction of variables; temperature, degree of hydration, physical properties of the penetrating substance, and damage to the structural or chemical integrity of the SC membrane itself (Mathias and Maibach, 1978). Diffusibility through a membrane increases as the temperature of the membrane increases (Rothenberg et al, 1977).…”

Adverse reactions to fragrances

“…Few well-documented cases of irritant contact dermatitis from fragrance materials are found in the literature ( 165). A large number of people broke out after the introduction of a lemon-scented detergent in a hospital.…”

“…Severa! cases of immediate contact reactions to commercial deodorants (192) and perfumes (165,192,193) have been reported.…”

Irritant Dermatitis

“…The molecular mechanisms are not completely elucidated; however, changes in stratum corneum thickness and function, downregulation of the production of inflammatory mediators, and alteration in the production of stratum corneum lipids have been observed (Watkins and Maibach, 2009;Welfriend andMaibach, 2008). et al, 1997;Fluhr et al, 2005;Rothenborg et al, 1977). High temperatures and humidity also promote sweating, which can increase penetration of the irritant chemical in the skin.…”