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Contact Dermatitis to Essential Oils

  • Contact Dermatitis (Brandon Adler and Vincent Deleo, Section editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Use of essential oils (EOs) has become popular due to consumer demand for natural products. Despite the widespread perception that natural ingredients are safe, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a well-described complication of EO use. This article provides a comprehensive overview regarding allergenicity, prevalence of positive patch test reactions, and sources of exposure associated with EOs.

Recent Findings

Approximately 80 different EOs have been implicated in contact allergy. Patch testing EOs is important for identifying sensitivity not detected by screening fragrance allergens. Clinical presentation depends on the specific EO and method of use.

Summary

EOs are complex substances of highly variable composition which may cause ACD. Due to popularity and widespread use, clinicians should ask patients about EO use. Patch testing is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of contact allergy to EOs.

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    1. Department of Dermatology, Park Nicollet Health Services, 7550 34th Ave S, Suite #101, Minneapolis, MN, 55450, USA

      Michele Buonomo & Erin Warshaw

    2. University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA

      Michele Buonomo

    3. Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

      Erin Warshaw

    4. Department of Dermatology, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA

      Erin Warshaw

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    Buonomo, M., Warshaw, E. Contact Dermatitis to Essential Oils. Curr Derm Rep 10, 148–172 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-021-00337-2

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