P. Norris, H. Hill, Kristin Morton
Jul 1, 2016
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Quality indicators
Journal
Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug
Abstract
To the Editor: Evidence suggests that fragrance allergy causes significant allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in children. A large study reporting on pediatric ACD in 2014 found 5.5% of 883 children patch tested have relevant positive patch tests (RPPT) to Myroxylon pereirae, 4.9% with RPPT to Fragrance Mix I (FMI), and another 1.9% with RPPT to Fragrance Mix II (FMII). Majantol, also known as trimethyl benzene propanol, is a synthetic fragrance added to many personal care products, and a contact allergen that has been recognized in adults. The report by Zug et al of pediatric patch tests by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) included in its data tables 4 cases of RPPT from 422 patients (0.9%) ages 6 to 12 years patch tested to majantol 5% pet. There were no PPT/RPPT in the 20 children ages 0 to 5 years tested to majantol 5% pet. Furthermore, a previous study investigating allergy to majantol noted sensitization mainly in older patients (40 years or older). We now report 3 cases of clinically relevant majantol allergy in adolescent children (see Table 1). Owing to its floral and fruity scent (similar to lily of the valley, jasmine, and orange blossom), majantol is used in perfumes, cosmetics, personal hygiene and cleaning products (eg, soaps, detergents, fabric softeners, and perfumed sanitary napkins). Of note, avoidance of majantol in products is notoriously difficult,