FS06.5 Fragrance sensitization in geriatric nurses

Abstract

Objective: The incidence of occupational hand dermatitis in geriatric nurses (GN) is increasing. 102 GN were involved in a program of secondary individual prevention at the University of Osnabrück. Prior to participation a patch test was performed in 99 of 102 IG by the dermatologist in charge. Sensitization to the fragrance mix was noted in 16% of cases. However, not once the fragrance mix was splitted. One of the GN was presented for further work up, revealing sensitizations to cinnamic alcohol and aldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, isoeugenol, lyral as well as ylang‐ylang oil.Method: Patch tests according to the DKG guidelines were performed. To reveal the composition, fragrance oils were submitted to gas chromatography.Results: Additional patch tests to various ylang‐ylang oils employing various concentrations reveal different patch test reactions. Further work up employing gas chromatography of different ylang‐ylang oils will be presented and relevance of patch test will be discussed. Hence cinnamic alcohol is frequently employed by the perfume and cosmetic industry, further patch tests of cinnamic alcohol in petrolatum at various concentrations as well as given cinnamic‐alcohol‐containing‐products are performed. Relevance of patch test results will be presented and discussed with respect to the current discussion of labelling skin sensitizers.Conclusion: At present the fragrance mix is not commonly splitted. Dermatologist in practice test the fragrance mix. When patch testing naturally occurring fragrance oils, origins and extracts thereof must be considered, because they may contain different allergens relevant for sensitization.