Identification of coumarin as the sensitizer in a patient sensitive to her own perfume but negative to the fragrance mix

Contact Dermatitis. 1999 Apr;40(4):196-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1999.tb06033.x.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the chemicals responsible for the sensitivity of a 44-year-old woman to her own perfume, but showing negative patch test results to the fragrance mix. For this purpose, the perfume concentrate from the eau de toilette was chemically fractionated. Each fraction obtained was afterwards tested on the patient using a ROAT and/or a patch test. Only 1 fraction gave a positive ROAT result. This fraction was analyzed and found to contain coumarin and ethyl vanillin. Coumarin, one of the most widely used fragrance compounds that is not present in the fragrance mix, was confirmed as being the sensitizer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cosmetics / administration & dosage*
  • Cosmetics / chemistry
  • Coumarins / adverse effects*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Patch Tests
  • Perfume / adverse effects*
  • Perfume / chemistry

Substances

  • Cosmetics
  • Coumarins
  • Perfume
  • coumarin