Contact allergy to finished woods in furniture and furnishings: a small allergic contact dermatitis epidemic to western red cedar in sauna interior decoration.

BACKGROUND

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by wood dust remains uncommon and most cases are occupational. Contact allergy to finished wooden products is even more rare and only few cases of contact dermatitis to wooden furnishings and furniture are described.

OBJECTIVE

During 2012-2014 surprisingly many patients with dermatitis associated to sauna baths were referred to our clinic.

METHODS

We report three novel cases with allergic contact dermatitis to western red cedar due to exposure during sauna baths.

RESULTS

Three cases of non-occupational contact dermatitis to western red cedar were confirmed by patch testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Allergic contact dermatitis to interior decoration or furniture is a rarity, but can be induced by novel exposures, like western red cedar in sauna interior decoration.