Lacquer dermatitis

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia


Lacquer dermatitis
Synonyms Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Itching, redness, blisters, swelling
Complications Secondary infection
Onset 12 to 48 hours after exposure
Duration 1 to 3 weeks
Types N/A
Causes Contact with urushiol from Toxicodendron plants
Risks Outdoor activities, gardening, forestry
Diagnosis Clinical diagnosis based on history and symptoms
Differential diagnosis Atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis
Prevention Avoidance of contact with Toxicodendron plants, protective clothing
Treatment Topical corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, cool compresses
Medication Corticosteroids, antihistamines
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common in areas with Toxicodendron plants
Deaths N/A


Lacquer Dermatitis is a type of allergic contact dermatitis that is caused by an allergic reaction to certain types of lacquer. This condition is commonly seen in individuals who frequently come into contact with lacquers, such as those who work in the furniture and automotive industries.

Causes[edit]

Lacquer dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction to certain chemicals found in lacquers. The most common culprits are formaldehyde and toluene, which are often used as solvents in lacquers. Other potential allergens include nickel, cobalt, and chromium, which may be present in some lacquers.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of lacquer dermatitis can vary from person to person, but typically include itching, redness, and swelling of the skin. In severe cases, blisters may form and the skin may crack and peel. The symptoms usually appear within a few hours of exposure to the allergen, but can sometimes take up to 48 hours to develop.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of lacquer dermatitis is typically made based on the patient's symptoms and their exposure history. A patch test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific allergen causing the reaction.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for lacquer dermatitis primarily involves avoiding further exposure to the allergen. Topical corticosteroids may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and itching. In severe cases, oral corticosteroids may be needed. If the skin becomes infected, antibiotics may also be prescribed.

Prevention[edit]

Prevention of lacquer dermatitis involves avoiding exposure to the allergens that cause the reaction. This may involve using alternative products that do not contain the allergen, or wearing protective clothing and gloves when handling lacquers.

See also[edit]


This allergy-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.



This <a href="/wiki/Occupational_disease" title="Occupational disease">occupational disease</a>-related article is a <a href="/wiki/Stub" title="Stub">stub</a>. You can help <a href="/wiki/WikiMD" title="WikiMD">WikiMD</a> by expanding it.

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.