The EDEN international study on the prevalence of contact allergy to fragrances

Fragrances or perfumes are part of cosmetics according to a European
definition. They are constantly present in our environment and in products
which we daily use, like soap, lotions and shampoos. Therefore its not
surprising that fragance is becoming more prevalent as a form of
contactdermatitis. Contactdermatitis is an infection which leads to a red skin,
itch, and swelling of the skin which can cause severe limitations in daily
living. The symptoms appear mostly in the face, the eylids, neck, arm-pits and
groins.

To test the feasibility of an intended large scale fragrance-allergy prevalence
study in the population of the north of the Netherlands and to make a more
reliable estimate of the prevalence in the population for poweranalysis of the
intended large scale study.

A questionnaire has been developed by the EDEN group and was tested for
reliability in a prepilot-study. The questionnaire can approximately define
whether a person has had an allergic reaction of the skin which can be ascribed
to cosmetics and/or fragrances. Persons with a positive outcome on the
questionnaire (cases), which means that they are possibly allergic to
cosmetics/fragrances will be asked (cases) to cooperate on a patch-test
procedure to validate the questionnaire and to define the algorithm and to a
blood test to define the over-senstiviness for hair cosmetics. The same will be
asked to a at random selected number of persons with a negative outcome
(controls).

The time-estimate for completing the questionnaire is at most twenty minutes.
Cooperation in the patch-test procedure contains the following. The patch-test
will be fixed on the respondents back for two days. The respondent will be
hindered by the patch-test if the patch-test is abundantly contacted with
water. Showering therefore has to be done with a hand shower. The patchtest
will be removed after two days, and the day after (day three) it has to be read
at the out-patient department of the UMCG. Removal of the patch-test will be
done by the same person who filled out the questionnaire in a place which is
choosen by the respondent. Five milliliters of blood will be taken at the
moment the respondent comes to the out-patient clinic and if positive
permission is given beforehand.