Purpuric irritant contact dermatitis induced by Agave americana.
The sap of Agave americana, a popular ornamental plant, may cause irritant contact dermatitis. This rare eruption is typically vesiculopapular; however, a new purpuric variant with evidence of leukocytoclastic vasculitis has recently been reported. We report an additional case of a purpuric eruption associated with severe constitutional symptoms further supporting a possible vasculitic component. Both cases resulted from direct exposure to sap propelled by a chainsaw. We speculate that oxalic acid crystals, which are recognized systemic toxins, are embedded in the skin with resulting oxalism, which may result in vascular damage.
Cherpelis
B S
BS
Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of South Florida School of Medicine, Tampa 33612, USA.
Fenske
N A
NA
D000208:Acute Disease; D000287:Administration, Topical; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019815:Oxalic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010944:Plants / Q000737:chemistry*; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013256:Steroids; D019815:Oxalic Acid