Contact sensitivity to cigarettes and matches

Abstract

The results of patch testing with a series containing components of cigarettes and matches were reviewed. 2 years were reviewed, 1987 and 1997. 314 patients were patch tested to this series, 203 in 1987 and 111 in 1997. 31 patients had clinically relevant positive reactions to the series, 25 in 1987 and 6 in 1997. 26 patients had relevant positive tests to cigarette components in the series. There were 14 relevant positive reactions to phosphorus sesquisulfide in 1987 and one in 1997. All patients with relevant positive reactions to red match tips also had reactions to phosphorus sesquisulfide. There was a significant association between cigarette and fragrance hypersensitivity. The eczema in 3 of 4 patients who stopped smoking improved. A series containing match heads, smoked cigarette filters and remnants of tobacco from smoked cigarettes may be useful in smokers with eczema of the face, neck or hands.

Tobacco smoking and hand eczema: a population-based study

“…Underlying mechanisms may be immunological or vascular 20–22 . There are also isolated reports of contact allergy to tobacco 23,24 …”

“…[20][21][22] There are also isolated reports of contact allergy to tobacco. 23,24 Sweden has a long tradition of performing environmental health surveys. Such studies afford an opportunity to study environmental factors that pose risks to the health of the general population.…”

Tobacco-induced contact dermatitis

“…In addition to the above cigar and cigarette components, the standard series of allergens should always be tested (in particular fragrance mix, balsam of Peru, formaldehyde, isothiazolinones, and parabens mix), as well as the various additives used in tobacco production and processing (in particular, cocoa, menthol, liquorice, and colophony) [14,68]. In smokers, when observing an airborne contact dermatitis involving the face and possibly the hands, volatile substances contained within matches, such as phosphorus sesquisulfide, as well as "strike anywhere" match heads themselves, should also be tested [53,55]. With regards to additives, the Philip Morris website lists all the ingredients and their respective proportions for the various kinds of products [69].…”

Patch testing for allergic contact dermatitis to cigarettes: Smoked/unsmoked components and formaldehyde factors

“…The patch testing of the roll‐your‐own components of cigarettes in this patient was negative and specific brand cigarette components (smoked filter paper) were positive. Dawn and colleagues previously identified high levels of allergy to smoked cigarette filters in 15 patients with a cigarette allergy. Both roll‐your‐own and branded cigarette produce formaldehyde exposure and yet only the branded component of the filter paper tested positive in this case.…”