Garlic dermatitis

Abstract

Allergic contact dermatitis to garlic usually has a typical clinical presentation but this is often masked if it presents concurrently with another form of hand dermatitis. Patch testing with 1% diallyl disulfide in petrolatum is recommended when garlic allergy is suspected.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.): Adverse effects and drug interactions in humans

“…Cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis include eczematous eruption on the finger-tips of the left hand in a 24 year old cook [48]; hand dermatitis in a 49 year old Italian fitter and turner with a regular contact with garlic during food preparation [49]; sub-erythrodermic eczematous reaction in a 54 year old Asian man who had been in periodic contact with pure garlic powder in the preceding seven months [50]; eczematous rash over both forearms in a 51 year old woman two months after coming into contact with garlic [51]; eczema of the hands in three cooks [52]; eczema in three cooks who showed positive reactions to piece of garlic and onion [53]; burning sensation, rush and swelling of the left hand in a 42 year old female cook [54]; itchy eruption affecting the fingertips of a 48 year old right-hander maintenance carpenter, who did the household cooking approximately 4 -5 nights per week [55]; itching, fissuring and redness of the fingertips in a 41 year old Chinese janitor [56].…”

Effects of Some Common Food Constituents on Cardiovascular Disease

“…However, with more than 5 cloves daily, heartburn, flatulence, and other gastrointestinal disturbances have been reported. Allergic contact dermatitis has occurred, and patch testing is available when garlic allergy is suspected [155]. Due to its antithrombotic activity, garlic should be taken with caution in people on oral anticoagulants [156].…”

A survey of plants responsible for causing irritant contact dermatitis in the Amathole district, eastern cape, South Africa

“…The possibility that garlic may cause irritant contact dermatitis (known as "garlic burns") has been highlighted by a number of case reports both in infants and adults (Borrelli et al, 2007). Although garlic has enjoyed a long history of use in cooking and folk medicine; orally for its diuretic and antilipemic effects and topically to treat insect bites, boils, and skin infections (Delaney and Donnelly, 1996), on the other hand, it has long been recognised as an occupational hazard amongst chefs, housewives and those who practise herbal remedies. Many housewives (44 out of 53) and curry chefs who developed contact dermatitis on the fingerprints showed positive patch tests to garlic (Sinha et al, 1997).…”