A study of dermatitis in the lacquerware industry.

Contact dermatitis from lacquer has been documented. The causative agent is a resin from a lacquer tree that can induce either irritation or sensitization. Thai and Japanese lacquer trees are 2 distinct species but are both members of the Anacardiaceae family. We report 3 cases of contact dermatitis from Thai lacquer resin. Observation and study of the lacquer plantation and working process at the factory were made to elucidate the aetiology of the dermatitis.