Allergic contact dermatitis due to hypersensitivity to the components of the tobacco plant.
Contact dermatitis is commonly observed in tobacco workers, couriers, and cigar makers, whereas smokers are rarely affected and cigarette packers are affected only in exceptional cases. The skin sites affected also vary depending on whether the exposure is occupational or nonoccupational.In addition to natural substances, various compounds are added to tobacco during processing and manufacturing. For this reason, it is extremely difficult to determine the etiologic factors. Another important aspect to consider is the contributory role of tobacco in triggering or exacerbating contact dermatitis in response to other exposures, occupational or nonoccupational.