Multicentre study of allergic contact cheilitis from toothpastes

Abstract

The present work reports the results of a multicentre study of toothpaste allergic contact cheilitis (TACC) conducted by GIRDCA (Gruppo Italiano Ricerca Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali). The study examined 54 patients with eczematous lesions on the lips, the possible cause of which was suspected to be the use of toothpastes. Patch tests were conducted with a standard series, a specially-targeted series (toothpaste cheilitis series, TCS), and with suspected toothpaste(s). A stop-restart test (SRT) was carried out with these, together with a use test to identify possible alternative products. The TCS produced 17 positive reactions in 13 patients, the most frequent being to spearmint oil. Of the 54 patients, 5 displayed positive reactions only to the TCS. The patch tests with toothpaste produced positive reactions in 11/32 patients, the SRT a positive response in 10/12 cases. The diagnosis of TACC was confirmed in 15/54 patients. Alternative products were identified for 5 patients. In conclusion, the allergens most frequently responsible for TACC were the flavourings, and the additional series proved to be useful in many cases (together with patch tests with toothpastes and the SRT) for correct diagnosis and to initiate effective prevention.

Preservative properties of Calamintha officinalis essential oil with and without EDTA

“…2001), and it is widely used as a flavoring agent, for example for toothpaste and other cosmetics. Carvone seems to be the cause of cheilitis when used at 5% in toothpastes (Francalanci et al . 2000) but it is not included in the International Fragrance Research Association (IFRA) list of compounds of established sensitizing potency.…”

Patterns of Cosmetic Contact Allergy

“…45 Allergic contact cheilitis (ACC) has been reported to result from the use of a wide array of products, including foods, metals, and cosmetics (such as lip balms, lipsticks, lip glosses, moisturizers, sunscreens, nail products, and oral hygiene products [mouthwashes, toothpastes, and dental floss]). 46,47 A notable feature among patients with cheilitis is the evident female predominance, with most studies reporting a range of 70.7% to 90% female patients. [48][49][50] In a recent Greek study, Katsarou and colleagues studied a group of 106 patients with eczematous cheilitis of whom 75.5% (n 5 80) were females.…”

Allergic contact cheilitis and hand dermatitis caused by a toothpaste

“…The patient was also patch tested with the coded ingredients, supplied by the manufacturer to S.K., but no positive reactions could be observed. Additional patch testing with the same amine fluoride sample , and with vanillin and trans ‐anethole, both from Chemotechnique, gave negative results.…”

“…Allergic contact cheilitis caused by toothpaste is rather uncommon, with flavourings being the allergens most often responsible . However, such ingredients are rarely specified on the label, which makes it difficult to find alternative products if a contact‐allergic reaction occurs.…”