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Cinnamon-induced oral erythema multiformelike sensitivity reaction
1University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, Lincoln 68583-0740, USA. dcohen@unmc.edu
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|August 1, 2000
Summary
Dentists should consider cinnamon as a potential trigger for oral erythema multiforme (EM)-like reactions. Eliminating cinnamon from the diet can effectively resolve these chronic oral ulcerations.
Area of Science:
- Oral medicine
- Dermatology
- Allergy
Background:
- Erythema multiforme (EM) is a hypersensitivity reaction.
- Oral EM-like reactions can be triggered by various agents, including foods like cinnamon.
- Dentists must be aware of these conditions for proper diagnosis.
Observation:
- An unusual case of oral EM-like reaction induced by cinnamon is presented.
- The patient, an older female, experienced chronic extensive surface ulcerations and lip swelling.
- Conventional treatments with topical and systemic steroids provided only temporary relief.
Findings:
- The oral EM-like reaction resolved completely after cinnamon was identified and eliminated from the patient's diet.
- This case highlights cinnamon as a specific allergen for oral EM-like reactions.
- Dietary elimination proved curative where pharmacological interventions failed.
Implications:
- Oral EM and EM-like reactions present diagnostic challenges due to diverse causes and presentations.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment outcomes.
- A negative skin test does not exclude a food-induced allergic reaction.