Cinnamon allergy

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

Oral contact stomatitis caused by dental care products containing cinnamon has been described (Birrdon JF et al. 2013). In 2008, Tremblay S et al. reported on a patient with allergic contact stomatitis caused by chewing gum containing cinnamon. Contact dermatitis caused by various cosmetic cinnamon products has also been described (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 oral lichen planus mucosae and cinnamon sensitization was discussed (Hoskyn J et al. 2005).

The processing of cinnamon can cause asthmatic complaints in workers. Cinnamic acid, and even more so its oxidation products and esters, are also relevant contact allergens.

In most cases, cinnamaldehyde is responsible for allergic reactions to cinnamon. Patients with a cinnamaldehyde allergy often also react to Peru balsam. Cinnamaldehyde is a component of the so-called"fragrance mix" in epicutaneous testing and is tested epicutaneously in 1% Vaseline.

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.

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.