The relationship between exposure to fragrance materials and persistent light reaction in the photosensitivity dermatitis with actinic reticuloid syndrome.

Contact allergic sensitivity to allergens such as plants of the Compositae family is a feature of the chronic skin reaction seen in the photosensitivity dermatitis with actinic reticuloid syndrome. In fifty patients with this syndrome an increased incidence of contact allergic sensitivity to some common fragrance materials was demonstrated. Evidence is also presented, both by in vitro and in vivo studies, which indicates that a phototoxic mechanism is involved. The relevance of continued exposure to common allergens and their involvement in photosensitization mechanisms is discussed in an attempt to explain the state of 'persistent light reaction'.