Systemic allergic contact dermatitis due to consumption of raw shiitake mushroom

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009 Dec;34(8):e910-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2009.03681.x.

Abstract

Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is a mushroom that is very popular in Asian cuisine. After ingestion of the raw fungus, dermatitis may occur in rare cases, and is commonly assumed to be a toxic reaction. We report a 52-year-old man who developed a generalized pruritic papulovesicular eruption 2 weeks after daily consumption of uncooked shiitake mushrooms. Prick-to-prick and scratch tests with uncooked mushrooms resulted in an eczematous reaction at 24 h that peaked at 72 h and persisted for 1 week. In contrast, no cutaneous reactions could be elicited in 20 healthy people. We conclude that our patient had systemic allergic contact dermatitis due to consumption of raw shiitake mushroom.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / drug therapy
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / pathology*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / drug therapy
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patch Tests
  • Shiitake Mushrooms

Substances

  • Methylprednisolone