Bee Propolis

Case involving allergy to propolis - reported studies

A few controlled studies had been done to check the effect of propolis to the masses.

The rate of sensitization to propolis or propolis derived products vary from 1.2% to 6.6% of the controlled group. In general it is safe to say that less than 10% of people are allergic to propolis.

Table below shows the studies done by various researchers and the percentage of people who showed allergy to this bee product. A study was also conducted to 1255 children in Italy for the course of 8 years and it was shown that less than 6 % are allergic to propolis. Those who contact dermatitis due to propolis was also allergic to balsam of Peru ( both products have common constituents).

Reference	Total Patients Patch-Tested	Positive Reactions to Propolis
Hausen BM et al	3,177	38 (1.2%)
Guisti F et al	1,831	35 (1.9%)
Machackova J	605	25 (4.2%)
Reider N et al	433	28 (6.55%)
Francesca G et al	1255 children	5.9 %
Source : Medscape Today , PubMed

 

All of studies above are done using patch testing method. Most studies believed that propolis should not be used as topical medicaments or as a substance in cosmetics.

The effect of allergy reported are localized dermatitis on the face, hands, limbs and also eczema.

Allergy in those working in bee industry
The first documented allergy to propolis was described on a beekeeper in 1915. He suffered from dermatitis on his fingers and wrist. Apart from that there had been a few cases where beekeeper had eczema, swelling of eyelids and watering of the eyes.

Others who may not contract dermatitis reported facial itching or swelling after collecting honey.

 

A Word of Advice:
Please ask your doctor's advice or ask for a patch test first before taking any propolis products. If you've used some propolis cream/products and appear to have the symptoms of allergy, discontinue the product.