BALSAM OF PERU

This patient information on Balsam of Peru is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

The results from your patch testing showed a positive reaction (contact allergy) to Balsam of Peru. Your immune system reacts with its defense mechanisms with each exposure of Balsam of Peru to your skin. It is unknown why certain individuals develop allergic sensitivities. In some it may take repeat exposures over long periods of time before an allergy develops. Once you have become sensitized (allergic) your immune system always “remembers” and you will be Balsam of Peru sensitive. If you currently have eczema this chemical may be the cause but other factors may play a role as well. The information below will help you avoid this allergen.

A reaction to Balsam of Peru indicates an allergy to fragrance and/or essential oils. Components of Balsam of Peru are used in pharmaceutical products, fragrances and flavorings. A positive patch test can also be an indicator of spice allergies. Flare-ups of eczema in balsam of Peru-sensitive patients can occurred after ingesting spices.

Where is chemical found?

Aperitifs
Baby ointments
Baby powder
Baked goods
Cakes
Calamine lotion
Candy
Chewing gum
Chocolate
Cosmetics
Cough lozenges
Dental cements
Eyelash pomade
Flavor in drinks
Flavor in tobacco
Foot lotion
Hair conditioners
Hemorrhoid suppositories
Ice cream
Insect repellent
Juices
Ketchup
Liniments
Lip medications
Liquors
Liver paste
Pastries
Peels of citrus fruit
Perfume
Perfumed tea
Pickled vegetables
Rectal ointments
Shampoo
Soft drinks
Spices
Sunscreens
Tincture of benzoin
Toothpaste
Topical medications
Veterinary preparations
Wines
Wound spray

Hints on avoiding chemical:

Used as a flavoring in foods, check all ingredients. Used as a masking fragrance for medications. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to this chemical. Choose products listed only on your personalized contact allergen database, which has been provided to you. Products listed on your contact allergen resource database will be free of Balsam of Peru and safe to use. Please be aware that if your spouse or significant other uses topical skincare products that contain this chemical skin to skin transfer may occur to you. It may take 2 to 3 weeks of avoiding exposure before improvement of your eruption begins.

Other names you may see this chemical listed as:

Balsam peruvianim
Balsam Peruvianim
Black balsam
China oil
Honduras balsam
Indian balsam
Peruvian balsam
Surinam Balsam

Possible Occupational Exposures:

Nurses
Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
Machine operators
Janitors

Balsam of Peru contains:

Cinnamic alcohol
Cinnamic aldehyde
Coniferyl benzoate
Methyl Cinnamate
Benzyl cinnamate
Benzyl benzoate
Benzoic acid
Benzyl alcohol
Eugenol
Vanillin
and etc….

A balsam of Peru free diet may help those sensitized with systemic contact dermatitis.

Balsam of Peru can cause contact Urticaria.

Cross reactions with other chemicals occurs including:

Balsam Tolu
Benzoates
Colophony
Cinnamates
Styrax
Benzoin
Tiger balm
Beeswax
Benzaldehyde
Coniferyl alcohol coumarin
Eugenol
Isoeugenol
Farnesol
Propanidid
Propolis
Diethylstilbesterol