Allergic Contact Dermatitis due to Propolis

Abstract

We present a very rare case of allergic contact dermatitis due to Propolis. A 34 year old female developed erythemas on the exposed region after taking part in a sports festival. She had been habitually taking Propolis for 10 months before and applied it for external use. The erythemas did not reduce but instead worsened. After two weeks application, diffuse edematous erythemas, reddish papules and scales spread all over the face, bilateral frontal arms, dorsal hands, palms and bilateral legs. She then visited us and was hospitalized on June 21, 1993. Patch testings with Propolis, as is, 10% pet and 1% pet. turned positive. The drinking of Propolis and phototests thereafter showed a negative reaction. No flare up phenomenon was observed after the patch tests and drinking. All the healthy controls showed a negative reaction with patchtests of 1% Propolis. © 1996, Western Division of Japanese Dermatological Association. All rights reserved.