Shiitake dermatitis: a report of 3 cases and review of the literature

Cutis. 2013 Jun;91(6):287-90.

Abstract

Shiitake mushroom-induced toxicoderma, or shiitake dermatitis, is a widely recognized phenomenon in Japan, China, and Korea but only recently has been reported outside of Asia. Affected individuals develop a characteristic pattern of whiplike, linear, erythematous wheals within 1 to 2 days after consumption of raw or cooked shiitake mushrooms. Lentinan, a polysaccharide component of shiitake mushrooms with antitumor properties, is thought to instigate a toxic reaction, resulting in the appearance of a rash. Shiitake dermatitis is self-limited and typically resolves within days to weeks of its appearance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dermatitis / etiology*
  • Dermatitis / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mushroom Poisoning / complications*
  • Mushroom Poisoning / pathology
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Shiitake Mushrooms*