- D3.499 - Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Lanolin in an Occupational Allergological Dermatology Unit in Tunisia

Lanolin is a complex mixture derived from sheep wool, subsequently purified and widely used for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes due to its emollient and emulsifying properties. However, its allergenic potential has been controversial. This study aims to describe the sociodemographic and medical characteristics of patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to lanolin.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a 28-years and included patients who consulted the dermato-allergology unit of the occupational medicine department at Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse for investigation of suspected ACD and who had a positive patch test to lanolin using the European Standard Series (ESS).

A total of 90 cases of sensitization to lanolin were identified. The highest number of ACD cases related to lanolin was recorded in 2013 (n = 43). The sex ratio was 1.19. The mean age was 38.44 ± 12.5 years. The predominant initial localization was the hands (n = 58). Most patients were right-handed (87.6%). Personal allergic history was cutaneous in 20 patients, including nine cases of atopic eczema, six cases of urticaria, and five cases of contact dermatitis; respiratory allergic history was reported in 22 patients. A family history of atopy was noted in 17.8% of cases.The clinical patterns observed were erythematovesicular (32.2%), erythematosquamous (14.4%), exudative (18.9%), fissured (8.9%), erythematous (6.7%), hyperkeratotic (6.7%), lichenified (3.3%), and bullous (1.1%). Six patients benefited from recognition of ACD as an occupational disease.

Lanolin remains a common allergen, and the occupational origin of lanolin-induced allergic contact dermatitis should be taken into consideration.