Prevalence of Contact Allergy to Propolis—Testing With Different Propolis Patch Test Materials

• DOI: 10.1111/cod.14773
• Publication Date: 2025-03-11T15:14:42Z
• Authors: Annarita Antelmi; Ilaria Trave; Rosella Gallo; Emanuele Cozzani; Aurora Parodi; Magnus Bruze; Cecilia Svedman
• Keywords: Propolis; Patch Testing; Patch test; Contact Allergy; Skin test

ABSTRACT Introduction Propolis is a sticky substance produced by honeybees from plant resins collected locally growing vegetation. Its chemical composition varies depending on the species visited bees. Contact dermatitis commonly reported following exposure to cosmetics containing propolis or intake of food supplements. Objectives To investigate prevalence contact allergy in two dermatology clinics Europe. Methods From February July 2023, consecutive adult patients were patch tested Department Dermatology Genova, Italy and Occupational Environmental Malmö, Sweden, with (10% petrolatum) originating China. In Brazil was also tested. Results Out 257 16 (6.2%) reacted propolis. Of these, 13 (5.1%) Brazilian propolis, one patient (0.4%) Chinese (0.8%) both. On testing 329 Swedish three (0.9%) reacted. Conclusion A significant difference observed number reactors within Italian group. When low both countries.