News

Fragrance Allergy - misleading packaging

A case report has highlighted the issue of a UK brand of toiletries where the packaging states boldly "No Perfume"
The contents include fragrance chemicals as listed in the EU Cosmetic Labelling regulations. In one case the fragrance chemical Citronellol is listed in others the fragrances listed were: Geraniol, Citral, Limonene and linalool.
The company website helpfully has a link to look up the nature of these chemicals; the link is introduced by the words:

"Confused about anything on our ingredient list? Well it will be nothing but goodness........."
It then describes Citronellol as "Masking - substances that are added to reduce the basic odour or taste of the product."

Technically this description is correct but it will be little comfort to the patient allergic to their product who uses it in the belief that it is fragrance free.

Standard Battery Amended

The BCDS Standard battery has been ammended to replace the Cl + Me Isothiazolinone 0.01% with the 0.02% concentration; this is available from Chemotechnique(C009B). The higher concentration appears to detect a small increased yield of positive reactions without a significant increase in irritant reactions.

Facial Battery Amended

The BCDS Facial battery has been ammended increasing the concentration of Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate to 0.2%. For more details see download section. Following alterations by Chemotechnique the Benzyl alcohol concentration has been increased from 1% to 10%, the concentration of the Trolab allergen is currently unchanged. See download section for full datails.

Database Update
The revised version adds skin prick testing plus some additional functionality is now available. Members wanting to purchase the new database should contact Barry Statham .

Bespoke footwear

Contact allergy to footwear presents significant problems in terms of sourcing suitable footwear items not containing the relevant allergens. Follow this link for sources of bespoke footwear.

DOPS in Contact Dermatitis
The committee have developed and trialled an assessment format for SPRs in contact dermatitis. This is available for downloading from this link.

Joint Replacement and Patch Testing
Several BCDS members have requested advice on the advisability of patch testing for patients due to undergo joint replacement surgery. Prof Gawkrodger has published a review of this topic that is made available with permission of the British Journal of Dermatology, to view the article (pdf format) follow this link. 

Page modified  October 2009