Patch test sensitization to Compositae mix, sesquiterpene-lactone mix, Compositae extracts, laurel leaf, Chlorophorin, Mansonone A, and dimethoxydalbergione.
BACKGROUND
Compositae mix and sesquiterpene-lactone (SL) mix are important patch test substances to show allergic contact dermatitis from various Compositae plants.


OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study are to calculate the sensitization rates to Compositae mix and SL mix in an occupational dermatology clinic and to describe cases of active sensitization caused by patch testing with Compositae mix and SL mix.


METHODS
Conventional patch testing was performed. SL mix (0.1%) and Compositae mix (6% in petrolatum) were tested in a modified European standard series and a plant allergen series. Testing with other appropriate patch test series was also performed.


RESULTS
SL mix provoked 8 allergic patch test reactions (0.7%) in 1,076 patients, whereas Compositae mix was positive in 15 of 346 patients (4.2%). Three patients were actively sensitized to Compositae mix and 1 patient to SL mix. One patient was also sensitized to other plant allergens in a series of allergenic plant chemicals, namely to Mansonone A, an ortho-quinone; (R)-3,4-dimethoxydalbergione, a quinone; and Chlorophorin, a hydroxy stilbene. Allergic patch test reactions to laurel leaf were caused by cross-sensitization to SLs.


CONCLUSIONS
Compositae mix seems to be a more important patch test substance than SL mix to detect allergic contact dermatitis to Compositae plants, but patch testing may sensitize. The concentration of the individual components of the Compositae mix should be adjusted so that the mix detects allergic patients but does not sensitize.
Section of Dermatology, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
L
L
Kanerva
T
T
Estlander
K
K
Alanko
R
R
Jolanki
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D019659:Asteraceae / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016227:Benzoquinones / Q000009:adverse effects; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D009285:Naphthoquinones / Q000009:adverse effects; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000592:standards*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012118:Resorcinols / Q000009:adverse effects; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D045787:Sesquiterpenes, Eudesmane; D013267:Stilbenes
D000485:Allergens; D016227:Benzoquinones; D007783:Lactones; D009285:Naphthoquinones; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012118:Resorcinols; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; D045787:Sesquiterpenes, Eudesmane; D013267:Stilbenes; C026197:3,4-dimethoxydalbergione; C083030:dehydrocostus lactone; C002602:costunolide; C430707:chlorophorin; C430708:mansonone A; C004363:alantolactone