Fritz T M, Burg G, Krasovec M
Dermatologische Klinik, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Suisse.
Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2001 Feb;128(2):123-6.
Melaleuca alternifolia is a coniferous tree found in tropical regions, the needles contain an essential oil that is used in medical and cosmetic products. The essential oil contains turpentines (limonene, alpha-pinene, phellandrene) that are potentially allergenic.
In 1997, 1216 patients were patch tested in our dermatoligic unit. Fourteen of them tested because of eczema used products containing tea tree oil. The patients used creams, hair products and essential oils containing Melaleuca alternifolia for cosmetic reasons and to treat skin affections. They were patch tested for a standard panel of allergens, topical emulgators, perfumes, plants, topical medications, metal, gloves, topical disinfectants and preservatives, dental products and rubber derivatives. Products containing Melaleuca alternifolia were tested concentrated or diluted.
We report on 7 cases of patients with an allergic contact dermatitis due to tea tree oil. Two of them also exhibited from a delayed type IV hypersensitivity towards fragrance-mix or colophony suggesting the possibility of cross reaction or an allergic group reaction caused by contamination of the colophony with the volatile fraction of turpentines.
The allergic potential of low concentrations of Melaleuca alternifolia is presumed to be low on healthy skin. Photoaged Melaleuca alternifolia must be considered to be a stronger sensitizer.
互叶白千层是一种生长在热带地区的针叶树，其针叶中含有一种用于医疗和化妆品的精油。该精油含有可能具有致敏性的萜类化合物（柠檬烯、α-蒎烯、水芹烯）。
1997年，1216名患者在我们皮肤科接受了斑贴试验。其中14名因湿疹使用含茶树油产品的患者接受了检测。这些患者出于美容目的并用于治疗皮肤疾病而使用了含互叶白千层的乳膏、护发产品和精油。他们接受了针对一组标准变应原、局部乳化剂、香料、植物、局部用药、金属、手套、局部消毒剂和防腐剂、牙科产品及橡胶衍生物的斑贴试验。含互叶白千层的产品进行了浓缩或稀释测试。
我们报告了7例因茶树油引起过敏性接触性皮炎的患者。其中2例还对香料混合物或松香表现出迟发型IV型超敏反应，提示可能存在交叉反应或因萜类化合物挥发性成分污染松香而导致的过敏组反应。
低浓度互叶白千层对健康皮肤的致敏潜力据推测较低。光老化的互叶白千层必须被视为更强的致敏原。
