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Biomedical subjects

K E Andersen

Publications and source records attributed to K E Andersen.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Isoeugenol is an important contact allergen: can it be safely replaced with isoeugenyl acetate?

The prevalence of contact allergy to the fragrance mix in individuals with eczema is up to 10%. Within the mix, isoeugenol (CAS 97-54-1) is an important individual allergen. Until May 1998, the IFRA (International Fragrance Association) guidelines suggested that isoeugenol could safely be used at a level of 0.2% in consumer products. In May 1998, IFRA recommended that isoeugenol should not be used at a level that exceeds 0.02% in consumer products, but did not provide guidance on allergen substitution. An alternative to isoeugenol, based on aroma and absence of guidelines on use, is isoeugenyl acetate (CAS 93-29-8). 155 consecutive subjects were patch tested to isoeugenyl acetate (1.2%, 0.4%, 0.13% eth.) and isoeugenol 1% pet. 6 (3.9%) had an allergic reaction to 1.2% isoeugenyl acetate at D4. The reactions to the other 2 dilutions tended to be graded. 8 individuals had at least a palpable erythema by D4 to isoeugenol 1% pet. The majority of individuals allergic to isoeugenol were also intolerant of isoeugenyl acetate. Effective labelling of fragrance substances on consumer products will facilitate monitoring of exposure.

Allergens↗
PubMed1999

Contents of fragrance allergens in children's cosmetics and cosmetic-toys.

Fragrances are one of the major causes of allergic contact dermatitis from use of cosmetics. The aim of the current study was to assess the possible exposure of infants and children to fragrance allergens from cosmetic products and "toy-cosmetics". 25 children's cosmetics or toy-cosmetic products were analysed by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Target substances were the fragrance allergens from the fragrance mix and 14 other fragrance substances, most of which have been described as contact allergens. The fragrance mix ingredients were either not present in children's shampoos/shower gels and cream/lotions, or they were present in fairly low concentrations. In hydro-alcoholic products, such as eau de parfum, eau de toilette, several ingredients of the fragrance mix were found: geraniol was present in 7/7 products, hydroxycitronellal in 6/7 and isoeugenol in 2/7 products. Isoeugenol was present in a maximum concentration of 0.07%. In one cosmetic-toy, cinnamic alcohol was present at 3.7% which exceeds the current industry guideline for safe products by a factor of 5. In all types of products other fragrance allergens were frequently found. In conclusion, children are already exposed at an early age to well-known allergens, sometimes at concentrations which are considered to be unsafe. As contact allergy usually persists for life, manufacturers of children's cosmetics should be aware of their special responsibility and apply the highest possible safety standards.

Allergens↗
PubMed1998

[Occupational eczema in gardeners and greenhouse workers in the county of Funen].

The aims of the study were to assess the prevalence of and association between occupational dermatitis and possible risk factors in gardeners and greenhouse workers living on Funen, describe the distribution of different types of eczema and detect the allergens most commonly involved. A cross-sectional study, based on a postal questionnaire and subsequent patch testing of selected persons was carried out in 1958 gardeners. The response rate was 84.6%, and among 250 persons patch tested the most frequently sensitizing occupational allergens were plants of the Compositae family and the fungicide captan. Allergic occupational contact dermatitis was suspected in 43 persons (17%). Irritant eczemas outnumbered allergic eczemas and both were most often caused by plants. The lifetime prevalence of occupational dermatitis was 19.6%. Occupational mucosal symptoms, working with Compositae and training as a gardener in females were significantly associated with an increased prevalence of occupational eczema, whereas sex, age and personal atopy seemed to be of less importance.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Skin symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis using enzyme-containing detergents. A placebo-controlled study.

Detergent enzymes may cause skin irritation and occasionally hypersensitivity reactions. The potential hazards of these enzymes have led some physicians to advise atopic dermatitis patients against the use of enzyme-enriched detergents. A three-phased randomised, double-blind, cross-over experiment was designed to question this recommendation. Each period was of 1 month's duration. In the first phase patients continued using their normal washing detergent. In phase II patients used trial detergent with or without added enzymes, and during phase III patients were given the opposite trial detergent. A total of 25 patients completed the study. The primary efficacy parameters were inter-period changes in corticosteroid usage and changes in SCORAD. Secondary efficacy parameters were altered subjective symptoms scored during the final 2 weeks of each interval. Analyses of all data revealed no statistical differences in any of the primary or secondary parameters comparing treatment and placebo periods. Our data therefore seem to exclude that atopic dermatitis may exacerbate during 1 month's exposure to enzyme-enriched detergents. Since no significant irritant capacity was detected in atopic dermatitis patients, it is unlikely that consumers with "normal skin" will experience any skin discomfort when enzyme-enriched detergents are used.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Deodorants on the European market: quantitative chemical analysis of 21 fragrances.

Deodorants are one of the most frequently used types of cosmetics and side-effects from them are common. Recent studies relate perfume allergy to this type of product. 73 deodorants were analyzed by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry for the determination of the contents of 7 wellknown fragrance allergens from the fragrance mix and 14 other commonly used fragrance materials. The deodorants were purchased at retail outlets in 5 European countries. It was found that in general, fragrance mix ingredients were more frequently present in vapo- and aerosol sprays than in roll-on products. The levels of the fragrance mix substances ranged from 0.0001-0.2355%. The products investigated contained cinnamic aldehyde and isoeugenol less frequently (17% and 29% respectively), and eugenol and geraniol most frequently (57% and 76% respectively). The 14 other fragrance materials were found in 40-97% of the deodorants, with hedione and benzyl acetate the most frequently found substances. The concentration of these 14 substances ranged from 0.0001-2.7%. It is concluded that the levels of cinnamic aldehyde and isoeugenol found in the deodorants could prove to be relevant for elicitation of contact dermatitis. No conclusions could be drawn about the other fragrance mix constituents, as threshold levels in sensitized individuals have not been investigated. Furthermore, all of the fragrance materials investigated were frequently found in deodorants and, apart from the fragrance mix ingredients, the extent of problems with sensitization to these fragrance materials is largely unknown.

Acrolein↗
PubMed1998

Occupational dermatitis in Danish gardeners and greenhouse workers (III). Compositae-related symptoms.

The clinical part of the study aimed at describing epidemiological and diagnostic aspects of occupational Compositae dermatitis. Patch testing with the sesquiterpene lactone (SL) and Compositae mixes, feverfew extract and supplementary allergens in 250 selected gardeners showed Compositae allergy in 25, 17 females and 8 males. 24 were possibly occupationally sensitized. The mean age was lower and the preponderance of women higher compared to classical Compositae dermatitis, and the distribution and course of the dermatitis most often did not differ from other occupational plant dermatoses. The Compositae mix detected 2x as many as the SL mix, and the overall detection rate with both was 76%, making aimed patch testing necessary. Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema), marguerite daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) were frequent sensitizers. Occupational type I allergy to Compositae comprised sensitization to Gerbera, chrysanthemum, lettuce, Senecio cruentus and Aster. Among 1657 respondents in the questionnaire part of the study, 824 had worked with Compositae, and 160 (19%) reported occupational Compositae-related symptoms of skin and mucous membranes. Possible risk factors for the development of these were assessed in a stepwise logistic regression model and a history of childhood eczema, hay fever and duration of exposure were significantly associated with Compositae-related irritant and allergic symptoms in both sexes.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Comparison of simultaneous patch testing with parthenolide and sesquiterpene lactone mix.

Several studies have pointed out that the sesquiterpene lactone (SL) mix is a safe, though inadequate, screen for Compositae allergy. To test the usefulness of the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide as a supplementary Compositae screening test to the mix, both were included in the standard series in 2 Danish dermatology departments. Among 2244 patients tested, 46 (2%) were positive to SL mix and 73-75% of these were positive to parthenolide. The results demonstrate that parthenolide is not suitable as a supplementary screening agent to SL mix, but may be a fairly good screen on its own if the mix is not available.

Asteraceae↗
PubMed1998

Deodorants: a clinical provocation study in fragrance-sensitive individuals.

Deodorants are one of the most marketed types of cosmetics and are frequently reported as a cause of dermatitis, particularly among fragrance-sensitive persons. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of deodorants, which had previously caused axillary dermatitis in fragrance-mix-sensitive eczema patients, to provoke reactions on repeated open application tests on the upper arm and in the axillae, and to relate the findings to the content of fragrance-mix constituents in those deodorants. 14 eczema patients performed a 7-day use test with 1 or 2 deodorants that had caused a rash within the last 12 months. 2 applications per day were made in the axilla and simultaneously on a 25 cm2 area on the upper arm. A total of 20 deodorants were tested among the 14 patients. Afterwards, the deodorants were subjected to quantitative chemical analysis identifying constituents of the fragrance mix. 12/20 (60%) deodorants elicited eczema on use testing in the axilla. 8/12 deodorants were positive in the axilla on day (D) 7 and 4 both in the axilla and on the upper arm. 2 of the 4 developed a reaction in the axilla before it developed on the upper arm. Chemical analysis revealed that 18/19 deodorants contained between 1 and 6 of the fragrance-mix constituents, on average 3 being found. The mean concentration of fragrance-mix constituents was generally higher in the deodorants causing a positive use test, as compared with those giving a negative reaction, indicating that the differences between the deodorants in terms of elicitation potential were more related to quantitative aspects of allergen content than of a qualitative nature. It is recommended that deodorants are tested in the axilla in the case of a negative use test on the upper arm and a strong clinical suspicion.

Allergens↗
PubMed1998

Immediate skin and mucosal symptoms from pot plants and vegetables in gardeners and greenhouse workers.

Short-lived occupational skin symptoms of irritant or urticarial nature were commonly reported among 253 attendants in a clinical study on occupational dermatitis in Danish gardeners and greenhouse workers. Aimed prick or scratch-patch testing for immediate skin and mucosal symptoms was performed in 105 persons with plants as is. 35 persons (33%) had at least 1 positive reaction and a family history of, or personal, atopy was significantly more prevalent among these compared to attendants with negative reactions. Positive histamine release tests made immunologic etiology probable in Schlumbergera cacti, Stephanotis floribunda, Euphorbia pulcherrima and Gerbera reactions. Other new species implicated in immediate-type reactions included Ficus pumila, Gardenia jasminoides, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Campanula, Columnea, Epipremnum aureum, Pelargonium and Primula vulgaris. Because of the high prevalence of short-lived skin symptoms and because contact urticaria may present itself as a dermatitis, it is recommended that one supplement patch tests with tests for immediate reactions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Fragrances and other materials in deodorants: search for potentially sensitizing molecules using combined GC-MS and structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis.

Deodorants are one of the most frequently-used types of cosmetics and are a source of allergic contact dermatitis. Therefore, a gas chromatography - mass spectrometric analysis of 71 deodorants was performed for identification of fragrance and non-fragrance materials present in marketed deodorants. Futhermore, the sensitizing potential of these molecules was evaluated using structure activity relationships (SARs) analysis. This was based on the presence of 1 or more chemically reactive site(s), in the chemical structure, associated with sensitizing potential. Among the many different substances used to formulate cosmetic products (over 3500), 226 chemicals were identified in a sample of 71 deodorants. 84 molecules were found to contain at least 1 structural alert, and 70 to belong to, or be susceptible to being metabolized into, the chemical group of aldehydes, ketones and alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes, ketone or esters. The combination of GC-MS and SARs analysis could be helpful in the selection of substances for supplementary investigations regarding sensitizing properties. Thus, it may be a valuable tool in the management of contact allergy to deodorants and for producing new deodorants with decreased propensity to cause contact allergy.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1998

Identification of risk products for fragrance contact allergy: a case-referent study based on patients' histories.

BACKGROUND: Fragrances are the first or second most common cause of contact allergy in dermatitis patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify risk products for fragrance contact allergy. METHODS: The design was a case-control study with a case group of 78 fragrance-mix-positive eczema patients and two control groups, one consisting of 1,279 subjects selected as a random sample of the general population and the other consisting of 806 fragrance-mix-negative eczema patients. The identification of risk products was based on the patients' histories of rash to scented products. Analysis of the associations between first-time rash caused by different specified product categories and fragrance mix sensitivity was performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: It was found that first-time rash caused by deodorant sprays and/or perfumes were related to fragrance contact allergy in a comparison with both control groups. The risk (odds ratio) of being diagnosed as fragrance allergic was 2.3 to 2.9 greater in cases of a history of first-time rash to deodorant sprays and 3.3 to 3.4 greater in cases of a history of rash to perfumes than if no such history were present. First-time rash to cleansing agents, deodorant sticks, or hand lotions was also statistically significant but only in comparison with one of the control groups. CONCLUSION: Safety evaluation of fragrance materials used in perfumes and deodorant sprays should be performed with special attention.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Contact allergy to local steroids. Contact allergy to corticosteroids among consecutively tested patients with eczema].

We studied the frequency of contact dermatitis to corticosteroids in consecutive eczema patients and the relevance of positive patch test reactions. Of 2,742 patients patch tested at the Dermatology Clinic at Odense University Hospital between June 1991 and December 1995, 65 patients (47 women and 18 men) or 2.4% had a positive reaction to one or more of the corticosteroids tested. Forty (1.45%) had a positive reaction to budesonide 1% pet. in the standard series. For a one-year period 662 consecutive eczema patients were routinely patch tested with a corticosteroid series consisting of five steroid allergens, and 17 had a positive reaction to at least one of these (2.6%). Budesonide allergy was most often encountered, followed by hydrocortisone, tixocortol pivalate and hydrocortisone-17-butyrate. Betamethasone valerate, triamcinolone acetonide and clobetasol propionate rarely caused contact allergy. The corticosteroid allergy was of current relevance in about one third of the cases. Corticosteroid contact allergy is an uncommon adverse effect, in relation to the number of patients with inflammatory skin diseases who are treated with topical corticosteroids. In patients with longstanding eczematous skin disease, who do not improve or deteriorate during topical corticosteroid therapy, contact allergy to these drugs should be suspected and relevant patch tests should be performed to sort out concomitant reactions. Future treatment with corticosteroids must take into account possible cross-reactions.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1997

Content and reactivity to product perfumes in fragrance mix positive and negative eczema patients. A study of perfumes used in toiletries and skin-care products.

The aim of the study was to investigate the elicitation potential of perfumes from 17 commonly sold lower-price cosmetic products. 8 of the perfumes were from stay-on cosmetics and 9 were from wash-off cosmetics. Each perfume was tested in 500 consecutive eczema patients, who also were tested with the European standard patch test series. 4.2% reacted to 1 or more of the wash-off product perfumes and 3.2% to 1 or more of the stay-on product perfumes. Concordant positive reactions between the fragrance mix and the product perfumes were found in 81.3% of positive reactions to the stay-on product perfumes and in 52.4% of the reactions to the wash-off product perfumes. Compared to the fragrance mix alone, only 1 additional case of contact allergy to the product perfumes was detected by balsam of Peru. Chemical analysis revealed that between 1 and 5 of the chemically-defined constituents of the fragrance mix were present in all of the product perfumes. Geraniol was found in 12 of the 17 perfumes and was most often detected. The concentration of the target fragrance materials ranged from 0.005%-1.35 w/v%. It is concluded that the allergenic constituents of the fragrance mix are impossible to avoid if perfumed cosmetics are used. Furthermore, patients suspected of perfume allergy need to be tested with their own perfumed products, as far from all cases of perfume allergy are detected by the fragrance mix and/or balsam of Peru in the European standard patch test series.

Acyclic Monoterpenes↗
PubMed1997

The efficacy of different moisturizers on barrier recovery in hairless mice evaluated by non-invasive bioengineering methods. A model to select the potentially most effective product.

Moisturizers (emollients) are used frequently on normal and diseased skin. However, only few studies have examined their effects in dynamic situations and in more clinically relevant settings. We evaluated the effect of 4 commonly used products in a hairless mice model after acute skin barrier perturbation with acetone. The efficacy was evaluated by measurement of the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and electrical conductance at various time intervals during barrier repair. The test products were compared with acetone-treated air-exposed controls allowed to recover otherwise normally and with a known irritant product, chlorhexidine cream 1%. Locobase was the most effective product in correcting barrier function and significantly improved barrier function during early stages of barrier recovery (< 6 h) without interfering with late stages of barrier recovery (> 6 h). The irritant control product, chlorhexidine cream 1%, delayed barrier recovery in the late stages. The model makes it possible to evaluate the combined effects of exogenous and endogenous components on barrier repair and to select the potentially most effective products before performing more cumbersome and time-consuming field studies.

Acetone↗