Immediate Skin Test Reactions to Spices

Scratch tests with common spices were performed in 1,120 atopic and 380 non-atopic patients. Positive skin test reactions were seen almost exclusively in atopics. Curry and paprika produced positive reactions most frequently, and when the components of curry were tested separately, coriander, caraway, cayenne and mustard were responsible for the vast majority of the skin reactions. A high correlation between positive skin test reactions to spices, especially to curry and its components, and tree pollens, fruits and vegetables was demonstrated, suggesting that there may be a group of cross allergies. Clinical symptoms from ingested spices were noticed by five patients. When small amounts of spices were spread on the oral mucosa, local reactions, especially in the mouth and nasopharynx, were found in 14 out of 35 unselected patients with positive skin test reactions. Peroral challenges with spices in gelatine capsules were negative in 20 non-selected patients.