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Contact allergy to a cocobolo bracelet
Marta Maria Moratinos1, Elena Tevar, Luis Conde-Salazar
1Servicio de Dermatologia Laboral, Escuela Nacional de Medicina del Trabajo, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
Dermatitis : Contact, Atopic, Occupational, Drug
|October 26, 2005
Summary
Tropical woods can cause allergic contact dermatitis. A man developed a rash from a cocobolo wood bracelet, with patch tests identifying specific allergens like obtusaquinone.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Wood Science
Background:
- Tropical woods are prized for durability and workability, leading to their use in various products like jewelry and furniture.
- The inherent properties of tropical woods, such as hardness and moisture resistance, contribute to their widespread application.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old male presented with pruritus, erythema, and blistering on his right wrist, directly correlating with wearing a wooden bracelet.
- Clinical presentation suggested allergic contact dermatitis localized to the area of bracelet contact.
Findings:
- Chemical analysis of cocobolo wood shavings identified (R)-4-methoxydalbergione, obtusaquinone, and (S)-4'-hydroxy-4-methoxydalbergione.
- Patch testing with cocobolo sawdust elicited a strong positive reaction.
- Pure constituents, including obtusaquinone, triggered significant reactions, indicating potent sensitization. Cross-reactivity with other rosewoods due to dalbergiones was also observed.
Implications:
- Contact dermatitis from tropical woods is a significant, often underestimated, health concern due to their high allergenic potential.
- Identifying specific allergens through detailed chemical analysis and patch testing is crucial for diagnosing and managing tropical wood-induced dermatitis.
- Awareness and further research are needed to address the prevalence of sensitization to these commonly used natural materials.