Korean J Dermatol.  2020 Nov;58(9):628-630.

A Case of Localized Cutaneous Bee Pollen Allergy Showing an Unusual Histopathologic Finding of Subcorneal Eosinophilic Microabscess

• Kim HY
• Kim JH
• Lee JH
• Lee SK
• Kim MS
• Lee UH

Abstract

Bee pollen is a mixture made by worker bees and consists of pollen, nectar, and salivary secretions. Due to its abundant nutritional and medicinal effects, people are consuming bee pollen increasingly these days. By the way, some of the elements of bee pollen, such as pollen and fungus, can cause allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis is the most common symptom and other symptoms such as bronchospasm, abdominal pain and urticaria can occur. But localized cutaneous bee pollen allergy has never been reported. A 29-year-old man presented with erythematous vesicular patches on the lower abdomen 3 months ago. The skin biopsy specimen showed a subcorneal pustule filled with eosinophilic microabscess, perivascular eosinophilic infiltration, and epidermal spongiosis. He was diagnosed with skin allergy caused by bee pollen. He stopped ingesting bee pollen and was treated with oral antihistamines and a topical steroid. We report this case because of its unique clinical and histological appearance.

Keyword

Eosinophilic microabscess; Localized cutaneous bee pollen allergy; Subcorneal pustule