Cinnamon allergy

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

Oral contact stomatitis caused by dental care products containing cinnamon is described (Birrdon JF et al. 2013). Tremblay S et al. reported in 2008 about a patient with allergic contact stomatitis caused by cinnamon-containing Chewing gum. Further described are contact dermatitis caused by various cosmetic cinnamon products (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 an oral lichen planus mucosae and cinnamon sensitization was discussed (Hoskyn J et al. 2005).

When processing cinnamon, workers may experience asthmatic symptoms. Cinnamic acid and even more so its oxidation products and esters are also relevant contact allergens.

In most cases cinnamic aldehyde is responsible for allergic reactions to cinnamon. Patients with a cinnamic aldehyde allergy often react to Peru balsam at the same time. Cinnamic aldehyde is a component of the so-called"fragrance mix" in the epicutaneous tests 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.