Lanolin Allergic Reactions: North American Contact Dermatitis Group Experience, 2001 to 2018. Issue 3 (28th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silverberg, Jonathan I.; Patel, Nisha; Warshaw, Erin M.; DeKoven, Joel G.; Atwater, Amber R.; Belsito, Donald V.; Dunnick, Cory A.; Houle, Marie-Claude; Reeder, Margo J.; Maibach, Howard I.; Zug, Kathryn A.; Taylor, James S.; Sasseville, Denis; Fransway, Anthony F.; DeLeo, Vincent A.; Pratt, Melanie D.; Fowler, Joseph F.; Zirwas, Matthew J.
• Is Part Of: Dermatitis. Volume 33:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 193
• Page End: 199
• Publication Date: 2022-05-28
• Subjects: Skin -- Inflammation -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Periodicals; Dermatitis, Contact -- Periodicals; Dermatitis, Atopic -- Periodicals; Dermatitis, Occupational -- Periodicals; Drug Eruptions -- Periodicals; 616.51
• DOI: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000871
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1710-3568

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Lanolin is an important cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives: The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology of lanolin allergy and to assess trends in patch test reactions to lanolin over time. Methods: This study used a retrospective analysis of patients patch tested with lanolin alcohol 30% or Amerchol L-101 50% in petrolatum by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group between 2001 and 2018 (n = 43, 691). Results: Overall, 1431 (3.3%) had a positive reaction, and 1238 (2.8%) were currently relevant. Prevalence of lanolin allergy was 4.63% between 2011 and 2018 ( P < 0.0001). Most lanolin-allergic patients had + (52%) reactions; 18%, and 6% had ++ and +++ reactions, respectively. Common primary anatomic sites of dermatitis were the hands (20.7%), scattered/generalized distribution (19.6%), and face (17.0%). Allergic reactions to lanolin were more common in children (4.5%) than in adults (3.2%, P = 0.0018). Compared with nonallergic patients, lanolin-allergic patients were more likely to have history of eczema or hay fever, male sex, older than 40 years, or Black race ( P < 0.05). Common lanolin sources were personal care products and drugs/medications. Only 2.24% of the positive reactions were linked to occupation. Conclusions: Lanolin sensitivity was common. Reactions were often clinically relevant and linked to personal care products and medications.