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Merck

Compositae-associated allergic contact dermatitis from bisabolol.

Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug (2011-04-21)
Sharon E Jacob, Catalina Matiz, Elise M Herro
ABSTRACT

Compositae-related chemicals cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in children with atopic dermatitis (AD). Moisturizers can be an overlooked exposure source. To evaluate ACD in children with recalcitrant AD and a reported history of intolerance to Aquaphor Healing Ointment (AHO) moisturizer. We retrospectively reviewed charts of children patch-tested to the ingredients of AHO moisturizer who had a history of intolerance, as well as of additional patch-tested patients with exposure to bisabolol in their personal hygiene products and without a history of product intolerance. Seven patients, six of whom had AD, had been referred to our clinic with a history of intolerance to the moisturizer. They were patch-tested with their moisturizer and the components provided by Beiersdorf. Of these, four had positive reactions to their AHO moisturizer and to bisabolol, a Compositae derivative. Bisabolol, a sesquiterpene alcohol, should be considered a potential cause of ACD in children with AD and a history of moisturizer intolerance.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
(−)-α-Bisabolol, ≥93% (GC)
Supelco
(−)-α-Bisabolol, analytical standard
(−)-α-Bisabolol, primary reference standard