Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Natural Products

Between 2010 and 2015, a study involving 1740 patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis revealed an increase in sensitization to natural products such as propolis and marigold (calendula officinalis), with positive patch test responses in 0.86% for propolis and approximately 1% for marigold. The reactions were more frequent in women and primarily affected the body and extremities. The study also noted that while there were no significant positive reactions to natural products before 2010 due to limited use, the growing application of these substances has led to a higher rate of allergic contact dermatitis in the Bulgarian population. The study suggests that the number of cases is expected to rise in the coming years.