Propolis-allergie

- Four patients are reported with an allergic contact dermatitis due to propolis, a resinous substance gathered in nature by bees. Three patients (beekeepers) developed a recurring (acute) eczema on face, arms and hands. One of them developed an acute eczema during a holiday on Crete after drinking ‘resinous wine’. The fourth patient developed an acute facial eczema after the use of a propolis containing cosmetic cream. Patch tests for propolis were positive in all four cases. Propolis is a potent sensitizer.