Photoallergic contact dermatitis to musk ambrette. Histopathologic features of photobiologic reactions observed in a persistent light reactor

Abstract

Studies concerning a patient with contact photosensitivity to musk ambrette, a commonly used fragrance, are reported. The patient had a persistent light reaction. The patient's history, clinical appearance, and phototest and photopatch test results are described. The observed patterns of these were identical to those previously noted in patients who had persistent light reactions after exposure to other photosensitizers such as the halogenated salicylanilides. The histopathologic findings in the phototest and photopatch test sites were those of an acute spongiotic dermatitis. No abnormal change was seen with ultraviolet A radiation exposure alone.

Photopatch testing: Clinical characteristics, test results, and final diagnoses from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, 2009–2020

“…Recognition of the problem resulted in the removal of those agents from the market 7 . The synthetic fragrance fixative musk ambrette 8 in men's colognes and the fragrance 6‐methylcoumarin 9 used in sunscreens caused mini‐epidemics of PACD in the 1970s. Recognition of those reactions resulted in their removal from the market as well.…”

The Scandinavian multicenter photopatch study

“…The musk ambrette reactions were mainly found in Norway and Sweden and in every case the offending product could be identified. As persistent light reactions have been described to musk ambrette (2)(3)(4) it is important to follow this agent on the market. In addition, a few cases of contact reactions have been observed.…”

Drug photoallergy

“…Elimination of these germicides from the market reduced the frequency of the patients. Perfumes, such as musk ambrette and 6‐methylcoumarin, and sunscreen agents, especially benzophenone‐3 (oxybenzone), had been causative thereafter.…”