Cinnamon-induced oral erythema multiformelike sensitivity reaction

Background, Erythema multiforme, or EM, is a hypersensitivity reaction to a gents such as herpes virus, drugs or foods. Oral EM-like reactions may be i nduced by cinnamon. It is important for dentists to recognize this conditio n. Case Description, The authors report an unusual case of cinnamon-induced or al EM-like reaction in an older female patient. The disease manifested itse lf as chronic extensive surface ulcerations and lip swelling. The patient w as treated repeatedly with topical and systemic steroids but responded to t hem only temporarily. The patient was cured when the offending agent-cinnam on-was eliminated from her diet. Clinical Implications, Oral EM or EM-like reactions pose a diagnostic dilem ma due to their varied etiologies and clinical manifestations. Correct diag nosis is essential for effective treatment. A negative skin test does not r ule out an allergic reaction to food.