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Cheilitis caused by contact urticaria to mint flavoured toothpaste
1Skin and Cancer Foundation, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. gazgaz@rocketmail.com
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|March 10, 2001
Summary
Persistent lip dermatitis in a young woman was finally diagnosed as a mint allergy. Switching toothpaste resolved her symptoms, suggesting contact urticaria for unknown cheilitis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Contact Dermatitis
Background:
- Persistent cheilitis can be challenging to diagnose.
- Standard patch testing may not identify all allergens.
- Cosmetic avoidance and therapies were ineffective for this patient.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old woman experienced 12 months of refractory lip dermatitis.
- An acute flare occurred immediately after dental treatment using a mint-flavored tooth cleaning powder.
- Prick testing to mint leaves was positive.
Findings:
- The patient's cheilitis resolved upon discontinuing mint-flavored toothpaste.
- Mint allergy was identified as the cause of contact urticaria.
- Negative patch testing initially complicated the diagnosis.
Implications:
- Contact urticaria to mint should be considered in unexplained cheilitis cases.
- Mint flavoring in oral hygiene products can be a potential allergen.
- Diagnostic approaches may need to include specific food/flavor prick testing.