Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Plants

  • Reference work entry
Kanerva's Occupational Dermatology

Abstract

Occupational skin reactions to plants are common, and under-reported.

Reactions may be irritant, phototoxic, urticarial, or allergic.

Correct identification of the plant is essential. Do not patch test “blind” with an unknown plant as it may cause chemical burns or sensitize the patient.

Urticaria may be chemically or immunologically induced.

Phototoxic reactions are confined to areas exposed to plant material plus UV light. They can be prevented by adequate photoprotection.

Most allergic reactions are caused by a small number of plant families, including Anacardiaceae (e.g., poison ivy) and Compositae or Asteraceae (e.g., chrysanthemum).

Patch testing should be performed in departments with expertise in the technique, using commercially available plant allergens where possible and testing controls to suspected “new” plant allergens.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Agarwal KK, D’Souza M (2009) Airborne contact dermatitis induced by parthenium: a study of 50 cases in South India. Clin Exp Dermatol 34:e4–e6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Agarwal KK, Kumar Nath A, Jaisanker TJ et al (2008) Parthenium dermatitis presenting as erythroderma. Contact Dermatitis 59:182–183

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Amaro C, Goossens A (2008) Immunological occupational contact urticaria and contact dermatitis from proteins; a review. Contact Dermatitis 58:67–75

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson BE, Miller CJ, Adams DR (2003) Stinging nettle dermatitis. Am J Clin Dermatol 14:44–46

    Google Scholar 

  • Aplin CG, Lovell CR (2001) Contact dermatitis due to hardy primula species and their cultivars. Contact Dermatitis 44:23–29

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Avalos J, Maibach HI (2007) Dermatologic botany. CRC Press, Boca Raton

    Google Scholar 

  • Beach RA, Pratt MD (2009) Chronic actinic dermatitis; clinical cases, diagnostic workup and therapeutic management. J Cutan Med Surg 13:121–128

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Benezra C, Ducombs G (1987) Molecular aspects of allergic contact dermatitis to plants. Dermatosen Beruf Umvelt 35:4–11

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Benezra C, Ducombs G, Sell Y, Foussereau J (1985) Plant contact dermatitis. BC Decker, Toronto

    Google Scholar 

  • Bilcha KD, Ayele A, Shibeshi D et al (2010) Patch testing and contact allergens in Ethiopia – results of 514 contact dermatitis patients using the European baseline series. Contact Dermatitis 63:140–145

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boelman DJ (2010) Emergency: treating poison ivy, oak and sumac. Am J Nurs 110:49–52

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bonamonte D, Foti C, Lionetti N, Rigano L, Angelini G (2010) Photoallergic contact dermatitis to 8-methoxypsoralen in Ficus carica. Contact Dermatitis 62:343–348

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bordel-Gomez MT, Mirando-Romero A (2008) Sensitivity to diallyldisulphide in a Spanish population. Contact Dermatitis 59:125–126

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cabanillas M, Fernandez-Redondo V, Toribio J (2006) Allergic contact dermatitis to plants in a Spanish dermatology department: a 7-year review. Contact Dermatitis 55:84–91

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell CP, Yates DH (2010) Lupin allergy; a hidden killer at home, a menace at work; occupational disease due to lupin allergy. Clin Exp Allergy 40:1467–1472

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chew A-C, Bashir SJ, Hawk JLM et al (2010) Contact and photocontact sensitization in chronic actinic dermatitis; a changing picture. Contact Dermatitis 62:42–46

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Christensson JB, Matura M, Gruvberger B et al (2010) Linalool- a significant contact sensitizer after air exposure. Contact Dermatitis 62:32–41

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Connolly M, McCune J, Dauncey E et al (2004) Primula obconica – is contact allergy on the decline? Contact Dermatitis 51:167–171

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cummings AJ, Olsen M (2011) Mechanism of action of stinging nettles. Wilderness Environ Med 22:136–139

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fernandez de Corres L (1984) Contact dermatitis from Frullania, Compositae, and other plants. Contact Dermatitis 16:84–86

    Google Scholar 

  • Guin JD (2000) Occupational contact dermatitis to plants. In: Kanerva L, Elsner P, Wahlberg JS, Maibach HI (eds) Handbook of occupational dermatology. Springer, Berlin, pp 730–766

    Google Scholar 

  • Guin JD, Gillis WT, Beaman JH (1981) Recognizing the Toxicodendrons (poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac). Am J Contact Dermat 4:133–135

    Google Scholar 

  • Halkier-Sorensen L (1996) Occupational skin diseases. Contact Dermatitis 35(suppl 1):1–120

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hausen BM (1988). Allergiepflanzen pflanzenallergene: handbuch u. atlas d.allergie-induzierenden wild- und Kulturpflanzen teil 1. kontaktallergene. ecomed, landsberg, Munchen

    Google Scholar 

  • Hieta N, Hasan T, Mäkinen-Kiljunen S, Lamintausta K (2009) Lupin allergy and lupin sensitization among patients with suspected food allergy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 103:233–237

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson RA, Baer H, Kirkpatrick CH et al (1972) Comparison of the contact allergenicity of the four pentadecyl catechols derived from poison ivy urushiol in human subjects. J Allergy Clin Immunol 49:27–35

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Julian CG, Bowers PW (1997) The nature and distribution of daffodil pickers’ rash. Contact Dermatitis 37:259–262

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kar HK, Langar S, Avora TC et al (2009) Occurrence of plant sensitivity among patients of photodermatoses: a control-matched study of 156 cases from New Delhi. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 75:483–487

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Karlberg A-T et al (2008) Allergic contact dermatitis-formation, structural requirements and reactivity of skin sensitizers. Chem Res Toxicol 21:53–69

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lakshmi C, Srinivas CR (2007) Parthenium; a wide angle view. Ind J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 73:296–306

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lepoittevin J-P (2000) Phytochemical procedures. In: Avalos J, Maibach H (eds) Dermatologic botany. CRC Press, Boca Raton, pp 69–76

    Google Scholar 

  • Lepoittevin J-P, Berl V (2009) Alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone: versatile skin bioactive natural products. Chem Rec 9:258–270

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Levin C, Warshaw E (2008) Protein contact dermatitis: allergens, pathogenesis and management. Dermatitis 19:241–251

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lovell CR (1993) Plants and the skin. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Mirastschijski U, Schnabel R, Naumann M, Kahne T (2010) Novel plant metalloproteinase from Dieffenbachia seguine causes fingertip necrosis. Br J Dermatol 165:1150–1152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell J, Rook A (1979) Botanical dermatology. Plants and plant products injurious to the skin. Greengrass, Vancouver

    Google Scholar 

  • Modi GM, Doherty CB, Kotta R, Orengol F (2009) Irritant contact dermatitis from plants. Dermatitis 20:63–78

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Oakley AMM, Ive FA, Harrison MA (1986) String-trimmer's dermatitis. Journ Soc Occup Med 36:143–144

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oliver F, Amon EU, Breathnach A et al (1991) Contact urticarial due to the common stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) – histological, ultrastructural and pharmacological studies. Clin Exp Dermatol 16:1–17

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orchard S, Fellman JH, Storrs FJ (1986) Poison ivy/oak dermatitis. Arch Dermatol 122:783

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ott A (1991) Haut und Pflanzen. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart

    Google Scholar 

  • Paniaqua CT, Bean AS (2011) Black-spot poison ivy: a rare phenomenon. J Am Acad Nurs Pract 23:275–277

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paulsen E, Andersen KE (2011) Screening for compositae sensitization with pure allergens: implications of molecular structure, strength of reaction, and time of testing. Contact Dermatitis 64:96–103

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paulsen E, Søgaard J, Andersen KE (1998) Occupational dermatitis in Danish gardeners and greenhouse workers (III). Compositae-related symptoms. Contact dermatitis 38:140–146

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paulsen E, Christensen LP, Andersen KE (2007) Compositae dermatitis from airborne parthenolide. Br J Dermatol 156:510–515

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paulsen E, Christensen L, Andersen KE (2010) Dermatitis from common ivy (Hedera helix L.subsp. helix) in Europe: past, present, and future. Contact Dermatitis 62:201–209

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pradalier A, Leriche E, Trinh Ch, Molitor JL (2004) Le retour de l’enfant prodigue ou l’allergie au ficus. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 36:326–329

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds NJ, Burton JL, Bradfield JWB et al (1991) Weed wacker dermatitis (letter). Arch Dermatol 127:1419–1420

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rycroft RJG (1993) The individual at risk. In: Lovell CR (ed) Plants and the skin. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford, pp 6–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Schalock PC (2009) Lichen extracts. Dermatitis 20:53–54

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt RJ (2001) The botanical dermatology database (http://BoDD.Cf.ac.uk): an electronic reincarnation of Mitchell and Rook’s botanical dermatology. Am J Contact Dermat 12:40–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Shmunes E, Keil JE (1983) Occupational dermatoses in South Carolina: a descriptive analysis of cost variables. J Am Acad Dermatol 9:861–866

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sirvent S, Tordesillas L, Villalba M et al (2011) Pollens and plant food profilin allergens show equivalent IgE reactivity. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 106:429–435

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thurston EL, Lersten N (1969) The morphology and toxicology of plant stinging hairs. Botanical Rev 35:393–412

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vale PT (1993) Prevention of phytophotodermatitis from celery. Contact Dermatitis 29:108

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van de Scheur MR, Bruynzeel DP (2004) Acute anaphylaxis after pine nut skin testing. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 92:93

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Villalta D, Asero R (2010) Sensitization to the pollen panallergen profiling. Is the detection of immunoglobulin E to multiple homologous proteins from different sources clinically useful? J Invest Allergol Clin Immunol 20:591–595

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Von der Werth JM, Ratcliffe J, English JSC (1999) Compositae mix is a more sensitive test for compositae dermatitis than the sesquiterpene lactone mix. Contact Dermatitis 40:273–276

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yoo KH, Seo SJ, Hong CK (2010) Ingestion of Rhus chicken causing systemic contact dermatitis in a Korean patient. Clin Exp Dermatol 35:756–758

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zachariae C, Engkilde K, Johanssen JD et al (2007) Primin in the European standard patch test series for 20 years. Contact Dermatitis 56:344–346

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kinghorn Dermatology Unit, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, BA13NG, Bath (Somerset), UK

    Dr. Christopher R. Lovell (Consultant Dermatologist)

Authors
  1. Dr. Christopher R. Lovell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christopher R. Lovell .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology and Allergology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Thomas Rustemeyer

  2. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany

    Peter Elsner

  3. Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany

    Swen-Malte John

  4. Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Howard I. Maibach

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this entry

Cite this entry

Lovell, C.R. (2012). Plants. In: Rustemeyer, T., Elsner, P., John, SM., Maibach, H.I. (eds) Kanerva's Occupational Dermatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02035-3_69

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02035-3_69

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-02034-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-02035-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation