Fragrance mix reactions and lime allergic contact dermatitis

Dermatitis. 2010 Jul-Aug;21(4):214-6.

Abstract

Allergic contact dermatitis due to citrus fruits is rare, but has been reported in cooks and bartenders. We report an interesting case of a bartender with hand dermatitis who had an allergic contact sensitivity to lime peel, fragrance mix I, and fragrance mix II. Most reported cases of citrus peel allergy are due to d-limonene, which makes up the majority of the peel oil. However, our patient had an allergic reaction to geraniol, which is a minor component of the peel oil and is present in fragrance mix I. It is important to consider a contact sensitivity to citrus in patients who have positive reactions to fragrance mix I and II and who are occupationally exposed to citrus fruits. An initial positive reaction to fragrance mixes should prompt further testing to citrus in these individuals.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclic Monoterpenes
  • Citrus aurantiifolia / adverse effects*
  • Cyclohexenes / adverse effects
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Female
  • Food Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Food Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Hand Dermatoses / diagnosis
  • Hand Dermatoses / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Limonene
  • Middle Aged
  • Patch Tests
  • Perfume / adverse effects*
  • Terpenes / adverse effects

Substances

  • Acyclic Monoterpenes
  • Cyclohexenes
  • Perfume
  • Terpenes
  • Limonene
  • geraniol