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Generalized pruritus in a patient sensitized to tobacco and cannabis.

Stöckli SS, Bircher AJ

Division of Allergy, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Basel, Switzerland.

Respiratory problems or urticaria are well known in patients sensitized to tobacco. This occurs mainly as an occupational disease in tobacco workers, but also occasionally in those who smoke tobacco or dip snuff. Similar respiratory problems and anaphylactoid reactions have been observed in patients sensitized to cannabis. This may occur in those allergic to cannabis pollen when the plants bloom, in those with agricultural exposure and rarely in the end consumer. We describe a patient with generalized itching provoked by tobacco and cannabis smoking. Skin prick tests and specific IgE towards tobacco and cannabis were positive. Because of the close correlation of smoking tobacco or cannabis and the onset of symptoms, we put forward the diagnosis of a type I allergic reaction towards tobacco and cannabis.

Published 22 March 2007 in J Dtsch Dermatol Ges, 5(4): 303-4.
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