Late-type sensitizations against wood are rare and are mostly seen in patients with occupational contact with saw dust. Generally, commercial wooden products only lead to sensitization or dermatitis in cases when contact to the unprotected skin is direct, intensive and of longer
In recent years an increasing number of cases of primary irritant and allergic contact dermatitis has been observed after using the South-American timber Pao ferro (Machaerium scleroxylum). Since 1978 140 cases have come to our knowledge. The patients were mainly cabinet and furniture makers