Occupational protein contact dermatitis caused by meat and fish

Background Protein contact dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis possibly triggered by proteinaceous allergens. Materials and methods We report two patients with a history of erythematous and urticarial skin reactions followed by transformation into prolonged papular symptoms upon contact with proteinaceous material. Results The symptoms reported by the patients were reproducible by skin testing with meat (cow) and fish (salmon). Both patients experienced extracutaneous manifestations after ingestion of meat and fish, as proven by oral challenge. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies were detected in the patients' blood. Conclusions Both cases meet all major criteria of protein contact dermatitis, suggesting IgE-mediated immediate-type hypersensitivity with late-phase cutaneous reactions.