Cinnamon allergy

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

Cinnamomum spp.

Definition
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Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices. Cinnamon allergy is relatively rare. In contrast to other spices, there are relatively weak cross-reactions to pollen/celery allergens.

Oral contact stomatitis caused by dental care products containing cinnamon is described (Birrdon JF et al. 2013). Tremblay S et al. reported in 2008 about a patient with allergic contact stomatitis caused by cinnamon-containing Chewing gum. Further described are contact dermatitis caused by various cosmetic cinnamon products (Admani S et al. 2017). Mertens M et al (2017) observed a generalized systemic dermatitis caused by Cinnamomum zeylanicum in a herbal tea product. A connection between an oral lichen planus mucosae and cinnamon sensitization was discussed (Hoskyn J et al. 2005).

When processing cinnamon, workers may experience asthmatic symptoms. Cinnamic acid and even more so its oxidation products and esters are also relevant contact allergens.

Etiology
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In most cases cinnamic aldehyde is responsible for allergic reactions to cinnamon. Patients with a cinnamic aldehyde allergy often react to Peru balsam at the same time. Cinnamic aldehyde is a component of the so-called"fragrance mix" in the epicutaneous tests and is tested epicutaneously in 1% vaseline.


Note(s)
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Excessive consumption of products containing cinnamon (cave: Christmas time) can cause toxic effects. For this reason, foods containing cinnamon must not contain more than 2 mg per 1000 gr. For allergy sufferers, cinnamon aldehyde is responsible for most symptoms.

Literature
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  1. Admani S et al (2017) Cinnamon Sugar Scrub Dermatitis: "Natural" Is Not Always Best. Pediatric Dermatol 34:e42-e43.
  2. Birrdon JF et al (2013) Cinnamon-induced oral contact stomatitis. Dent Today 32:82, 84; quiz 86-7.
  3. Guarneri F (2010) Occupational allergy to cinnamal in a baker. Contact dermatitis 63:294.
  4. Hoskyn J et al (2005) Contact allergy to cinnamal in a patient with oral lichen planus. Contact dermatitis 52:160-161.
  5. Mertens M et al (2017) Generalized systemic allergic dermatitis caused by Cinnamomum zeylanicum in a herbal tea. Contact dermatitis 77:259-261.
  6. Tremblay S et al (2008) Contact allergy to cinnamon: case report. J Can Dent Assoc 74:445-461.
  7. Vandersall A et al (2015) Eyelid dermatitis as a manifestation of systemic contact dermatitis to cinnamon. Dermatitis 26:189.

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020