The house dust mites in the bark of cassia primarily cause cassia allergy. The following are the two major house dust mites of cassia bark:
- Dermatophagoides farinae
- Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Acaricidal Principles of Cinnamomum/Cassia
A recent scientific study identified the acaricidal (chemicals used for controlling mites and ticks) principles that are present in the cassia bark and cassia oil. They include the following:
- (E)-cinnamaldehyde
- Salicylaldehyde
Adverse Reactions of Cassia/Cinnamomum
The adverse immune reactions of the Cassia/Cinnamomum are due to IgE antibody. The following are the symptoms that result due to IgE mediated immune reactions:
- Contact dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Stomatitis
- Perioral dermatitis
Some studies have also reported Delayed type IV immune reactions due to cassia/Cinnamomum allergy.
Patch test is used to detect cassia allergy
What are the Occupational Hazards due to Cassia/Cinnamomum?
Normally the occupational hazards related to cassia allergy occur in workers in the food industry, such as bakeries and processing units. Apart from normal allergic reactions, the following occupational hazard related symptoms are also reported:
- Occupational asthma
- Occupational allergic or contact dermatitis
Scientific studies have reported that workers of cassia/cinnamomum processing industry also suffer from following systemic problems:
- Irritation of skin
- Smarting of eyes
- Loss of hair
- Loss of weight
Non-Immune Reactions of Cassia/Cinnamomum
The non-immune reactions of cassia include the following:
Based on histopathologic changes, cinnamon-induced stomatitis (swelling and irritation of mucous lining) is found. The following are the different types of cinnamomum/cassia-induced stomatitis:
- Hyperkeratosis
- Chronic lichenoid mucositis with plasmacytic infiltration
- Marked chronic perivasculitis.
- Erythema multiforme (characterized by chronic extensive surface ulcerations and lip swelling)
- Oral leukoplakia
- Gastric irritation
Treatment for Cinnamomum/Cassia Allergy
The following medications can be used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of cinnamomum/cassia allergy:
- Oral and tropical antihistamines
- Over-the-counter decongestants
- Anti-inflammatory inhalers
- Corticosteroids and allergy injections
