Tomato contact dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis, 08/03/2012
Paulsen E et al. – An ether extract of tomato plants made as the original oleoresin plant extracts, was used in aimed patch testing, and between 2005 and 2011. 8 of 93 patients tested positive to the oleoresin extracts. This prevalence is in accordance with the older literature that reports tomato plants as occasional sensitizers. The same applies to tomato fruits, which, in addition, may cause protein contact dermatitis. The allergens of the plant are unknown, but both heat–stable and heat–labile constituents seem to be involved. The fruit contains fragrance compounds that are also present in Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru), possibly accounting for cross–reactivity. The proteins in pulp and peel may contribute to protein contact dermatitis.
