Routine patch testing with frullanolide mix: an European Environmental and Contact Dermatitis Research Group multicentre study

Contact Dermatitis. 2003 Mar;48(3):158-61. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0536.2003.00077.x.

Abstract

Contact sensitivity to plants containing 1 or more sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) is difficult to diagnose. The mixture of SLs (SL mix) has been shown to detect only about 60% of sensitized individuals. In order to improve the diagnosis of sensitization to plants containing SLs, we have tested a mixture of frullanolides contained in Frullania dilatata and Frullania tamarisci at 3 different concentrations (0.01%, 0.033% and 0.1% in petrolatum). 8605 consecutive eczema patients in 1 North American and 15 European dermatology departments were tested with this mix, and 0.35% of positive cases to the different concentrations were found. Routine use of this mix permitted detection of only a small percentage of extra cases and did not improve the SL mix score. The frullanolide mix should therefore be restricted to investigations in particular geographical zones and/or in particular occupations.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / adverse effects*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / epidemiology*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Frullania*
  • Humans
  • Isomerism
  • Male
  • San Francisco / epidemiology
  • Sesquiterpenes / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • frullanolide