Specific Sensitivity to Foods as a Factor in Various Types of Eczematous Dermatitis

Immediate and delayed contact reactions to white and green tea blends

“…In general, tea is rich in gallic acid derivatives, and esters of these have been shown to be moderate to strong sensitizers 9 . Whether the patientʼs dermatitis was caused by these or other phenolic compounds is not clarified, as contact dermatitis to tea from C. sinensis has not been reported previously, although Livingood and Pillsbury reported flare of eczema after ingestion of tea in a female patient 10 . We cannot rule out reactions to the aromatic ingredients of the teas, but as they were different from each other, it is less likely that they were the primary allergens.…”

“…9 Whether the patientʼs dermatitis was caused by these or other phenolic compounds is not clarified, as contact dermatitis to tea from C. sinensis has not been reported previously, although Livingood and Pillsbury reported flare of eczema after ingestion of tea in a female patient. 10 We cannot rule out reactions to the aromatic ingredients of the teas, but as they were different from each other, it is less likely that they were the primary allergens. In conclusion, the history, clinical tests, and HR tests suggest concomitant immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to tea.…”