Level of use and safety of botanical products for itching vulvar dermatoses. Are patch tests useful?

• Published in: Contact dermatitis Vol. 74; no. 5; pp. 289 - 294
• Main Authors: Corazza, Monica, Virgili, Annarosa, Toni, Giulia, Minghetti, Sara, Tiengo, Silvia, Borghi, Alessandro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.05.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Allergens - adverse effects; botanical products; contact dermatitis; Cosmetics - adverse effects; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - diagnosis; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - etiology; Female; Humans; Italy; Lichen Planus - etiology; Middle Aged; Neurodermatitis - etiology; patch test; Patch Tests; Phytotherapy - adverse effects; Plant Preparations - adverse effects; Pruritus Vulvae - etiology; Psoriasis - etiology; Surveys and Questionnaires; vulvar diseases; Vulvar Diseases - etiology; Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus - etiology; Vulvitis - etiology; contact dermatitis; patch test; vulvar diseases; botanical products
• ISSN: 0105-1873; 1600-0536
• DOI: 10.1111/cod.12559

Summary Background Topical remedies based on botanical ingredients are popular. Objectives To assess: (i) the usage of botanical substances in subjects affected with itching and chronic vulvar complaints; (ii) the incidence of side‐effects associated with their use and the frequency of contact allergy; (iii) the diagnostic usefulness of patch testing. Methods Sixty‐six patients were provided with a questionnaire to assess the prevalence and type of topical botanical preparations used and the occurrence of adverse reactions. Patients were patch tested with (i) the Italian baseline series, (ii) a topical medicament series, and (iii) a botanical series. Results Forty‐two patients (63.6%) reported the use of natural topical products on the vulva. Seven (16.7%) noted adverse reactions; 27 showed positive reactions with the baseline series; 14 (21.2%) had at least one relevant reaction, mainly to allergens in topical products and cosmetics; and 2 (3%) showed positive reactions to the botanical series. Of the 7 patients complaining of adverse effects of botanical products, 3 (42.8%) showed relevant sensitization. Conclusions The use of natural topical products is widespread among women affected with itching vulvar diseases. Contact dermatitis is a possible adverse effect. Botanical series are of questionable usefulness, owing to the wide variety of botanical ingredients.