Patterns of simultaneous contact allergies in patients with contact sensitization to oxidised linalool and oxidised limonene

BACKGROUND: Contact allergy rates of linalool and limonene hydroperoxides (HPs) have increased.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the patterns of simultaneous positive patch test (PT) reactions and prevalences of multiple contact allergies (MCAs) in patients with contact allergy to linalool and/or limonene HPs.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of consecutive dermatitis patients in 2015-2020 was performed.

RESULTS: Of all 4192 patients, 1851 had at least one positive PT reaction. Of these, 410 (22.2%) had MCAs, significantly related to a higher age (p-value = 0.003). Patients with an exclusively positive reaction to linalool HPs but not limonene HPs were shown to have MCAs (p-value <0.001, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 4.15 (3.01-5.73)). Patients with simultaneous contact allergies to both linalool and limonene HPs had contact allergies to many other screening and fragrance allergens.

CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous positive PT reactions to allergens in baseline series and fragrances are common in patients with the HPs contact allergy, especially linalool HPs. The pattern of simultaneous PT reactions principally suggested the co-sensitization of the cosmetic allergens.