Rosin Allergy

Rosin, also known as colophony, is a sticky substance or sap derived from pine and spruce trees. Its sticky form makes it useful in a wide range of different home, recreational, and work sources. For example, in home and recreational industries, it is found in adhesives (such as glues and tapes), cosmetic products (such as lipsticks, eyeshadows, and mascaras), toiletries (such as hair removing wax and dental floss), chewing gum, paper products, medicines (such as cold sore creams and wart removers), and many others. In work sources, it is found in printing inks, machine belts, veterinary medications, cement, paint, asphalt products, and many more.

When an allergic individual comes in contact with rosin, the reaction includes acute allergic contact dermatitis and difficulty breathing. Allergic contact dermatitis usually occurs after one to three days of the initial contact with rosin; however, reactions can occasionally appear within 24 hours or even after the week following the exposure. Dermatitis appears at the site of contact with rosin. For instance, it can appear on the hands and forearms after carrying pine wood. The initial reaction is red, inflamed, and itchy skin. As the reaction progresses, the skin can blister and become even itchier. If exposure is continued for a prolonged period of time, acute allergic contact dermatitis can become a chronic type with more thickened lichenified skin.

Rosin allergy is diagnosed from the clinical history and by performing patch tests, a special type of allergy skin test.

Avoidance is the only long-term treatment method for rosin allergy. There is no mechanism for de-sensitising to this allergen. Allergic contact dermatitis is treated the same way as any acute dermatitis or eczema by prescribing topical corticosteroids and emollients.

The best way to avoid rosin allergy is to be aware of products that contain rosin and are present in one's environment. It is highly recommended to read through the ingredients on the product labels or packaging of all substances that come in contact with the skin. Products that do not list all of their ingredients should be avoided.

If a product that contains rosin cannot be avoided, it is highly recommended to wear gloves and other protective clothing to avoid contact with the skin. If possible, a material safety data sheet can be requested at the workplace to help identify alternatives that are safe and to reduce contact with materials that contain rosin.