Sensitization potency of some phenolic compounds--with special emphasis on the relationship between chemical structure and allergenicity.

Abstract

AbstractSkin irritability and sensitization potency of 14 phenolic compounds were studied on guinea pigs. When 10% preparations of each compound were used for induction, and 1% preparations were used for the challenge, the sensitization frequencies were 80% for isoeugenol and isosafro eugenol, 67% for isohomogenol, 40% for acetyl isoeugenol, 20% for eugenol, and 5% for dihydro eugenol. No animals were sensitized by methyl eugenol, acetyl eugenol, methyl isoeugenol or benzyl isoeugenol. The sensitization frequency was 80% for catechol, 89% for guaethol, 14% for p‐n‐propyl phenol, and 0% for phenol.The frequency of positive allergic reactions to patch tests on patients with cosmetic dermatitis was 2.6% for eugenol and 5.2% for isoeugenol. The frequency of cross reactions on patients sensitive to isoeugenol was also studied.The relationship between chemical structures and sensitization potencies as well as other factors influencing the results of patch tests on patients are discussed.