For the most part, scientific research and analysis is an exhaustive, almost pedantic process that attempts to investigate factors that may or may not influence a particular outcome. This usually involves careful consideration of previous studies and their findings. The next step is usually establishing a set of research questions and hypotheses, followed by a careful design of experimental methods, which are then rigorously analysis and reported.

In addition, scientific research proposes that methodologies of any investigation are presented accurately enough so that replication of the experiment by other researchers wishing to test the reported outcomes is possible.

The following journal article released by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. is an example of researchers assuming cause and effect without testing of any kind or consideration of possible alternative causes.

It does not propose possible investigations that need to be carried out in order to test their hypothesis nor does it propose a clinical study or in fact any further study at all. It does propose however that because of their observations of only 2 cases, which may have been exposed to the essential oil of Bergamot that resulted in adverse skin reactions, that "... a necessity for strict governmental surveillance and scrutiny of these increasingly popular preparations" is implemented.

This is preposterous and totally against every scientific rule of investigation. Read this article and judge for yourself.

Accidental bullous phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil

Steven Kaddu, MD, Helmut Kerl, MD, and Peter Wolf, MD Graz, Austria

Brief reports J AM ACAD DERMATOL SEPTEMBER 2001

Abstract

Oil of bergamot is an extract from the rind of bergamot orange (Citrus aurantium ssp bergamia) that has a pleasant, refreshing scent; until a few years ago it had been widely used as an ingredient in cosmetics but was restricted or banned in most countries because of certain adverse effects. More recently, oil of bergamot preparations have been gaining renewed popularity in aromatherapy. Oil of bergamot possesses photosensitive and melanogenic properties because of the presence of furocoumarins, primarily bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen [5-MOP]). However, 5-MOP is also potentially phototoxic and photomutagenic. Despite its increasing application, there are only a few recent reports of phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil. We describe two patients with localized and disseminated bullous phototoxic skin reactions developing within 48 to 72 hours after exposure to bergamot aromatherapy oil and subsequent ultraviolet exposure. One patient (case 2) had no history of direct contact with aromatherapy oil but developed bullous skin lesions after exposure to aerosolized (evaporated) aromatherapy oil in a sauna and subsequent UVA radiation in a tanning salon. This report highlights the potential health hazard related to the increasing use of psoralen-containing aromatherapy oils.

Comment: In the paragraph above the publishers clearly state that the 2nd case actually had no direct contact with the supposed aerosolized aromatherapy oil. They also report (source not given) that the oil of bergamot has gained popularity and despite its increase in use, only 2 cases of phototoxic reactions have been reported. This should raise the question of what, other than bergamot oil, may be the cause of the phototoxic reaction in the 2 cases, shouldn