About balsam of Peru

Balsam of Peru is a substance harvested by wounding the Myroxylon pereirae tree, found in Central America. It has an odor similar to cinnamon and vanilla, and is renowned for its healing effect on open wounds. It is used in a number of

Balsam of Peru confirmed allergy

standard allergen patch test series, as a screening chemical for contact allergy to fragrances. Notably, it cross-reacts with a number of synthetic fragrances found in perfumes, lotions, cleaning products, etc. In addition, as it is a natural substance (containing hundreds of components), there are a number of plant-based foods that also contain varying amounts of these same chemicals. Balsam of Peru has been associated with both allergic contact dermatitis and systemic allergic response.

Balsam of Peru a top P.E.A.S. allergen

Balsam of Peru ranks 4th in the list of top allergens for both adults (2011-2012) and children (2005-2012) – North American Contact Dermatitis Group data. Because of the high number of cases recognized by meta-analysis of available databases, this allergen was designated as a high sensitizer, and selected for potential pre-emptive avoidance strategy (P.E.A.S.) by a team of researchers led by Sharon Jacob, MD at Loma Linda University.  Approximately, thirty percent of people avoiding these top P.E.A.S. allergens are able to improve their allergic contact dermatitis symptoms.  Building on the P.E.A.S. data foundation, the Dermatitis Academy has created a Simple and Free™ guideline, which recognizes and showcases those products which do not contain these top allergens.

Balsam of Peru Quiz highlights contact allergen awareness

Given the high prevalence of this important allergen in causing allergic contact dermatitis, we at the Dermatitis Academy designed an innovative interactive quiz to highlight potential sources of balsam of Peru.  This quiz is intended to test your knowledge base of potential sources of the allergen balsam of Peru (also known as Myroxylon pereirae). Its purpose is to increase awareness, thus aiding in avoidance and prevention of contact dermatitis to balsam of Peru. For more information check out the Dermatitis Academy page dedicated to balsam of Peru awareness.