Allergy to Argan Oil Confirmed by Oral Challenge Test in Children: Case Report
Sara Aminou *
Department of Pediatric Pneumoallergology and Infectiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Rabat Children's Hospital, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco.
Chafiq Mahraoui
Department of Pediatric Pneumoallergology and Infectiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Rabat Children's Hospital, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The prevalence of allergy to Argan oil is increasing over the years. It manifests itself in an extremely polymorphous way and responds to all possible routes of exposure: ingestion, contact or inhalation. The provocation test remains the key examination to confirm an allergy to Argan oil.
Presentation of Case: We report the observation of a six-year-old girl presenting with immediate urticaria after ingestion of argan oil.
Discussion: The allergological investigation points to sensitisation of the skin only, with positive prick tests. An oral provocation test was performed and published for the first time to confirm the diagnosis of allergy to argan oil in our patient.
Conclusion: Argan is widely used for its benefits in the cosmetic industry and as a food ingredient. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms of sensitisation to Argan oil.
Keywords: Argan oil, allergy, prick test, oral challenge test