Contact sensitivity to flavourings and perfumes in atopic dermatitis.

16 children with atopic dermatitis and 4 nonatopics were skin tested with flavourings and perfumes. Immediate reactions to balsam of Peru and fragrance-mix were found in 9 atopics, and none among nonatopics. An irritant is more probable than an immunologic mechanism. Allergen solutions should probably be assayed at a lower concentration in atopic patients. This study points to a possible aggravating factor from perfumes and flavourings ingested, inhaled, or used as cosmetics.