Lacquer is prepared from the sap of a tree (genus Rhus). It is used to treat wood in Japan and other Asian countries. Sensitized individuals may develop a contact allergic dermatitis if they come in contact with lacquer or a lacquered product.
The causative compound is an oleoresin known as urushiol (active compound pentadecylcatechol), which is also the causative compound in poison ivy. Not surprisingly people who have been sensitized to poison ivy will react to lacquer and vice versa.
The dermatitis will occur at the point of contact between skin and lacquer:
(1) hands, if handling liquid lacquer or a lacquered piece of wood
(2) soles of feet if walking barefoot on lacquered floor
(3) buttocks if using a lacquered toilet seat
If the lacquer is inhaled or ingested, then a systemic allergic reaction may develop (see next section). This often features a diffuse erythematous rash.
In theory inhalation of smoke from the burning of lacquered wood can cause an allergic respiratory condition similar to that seen with the smoke from burning poison ivy (see previous section).
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