Occupational allergy caused by Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria).
BACKGROUND
Allergic contact dermatitis to Alstroemeria has been well documented; however, occupational allergy to this decorative flower has never been reported in the literature.


OBJECTIVE
We describe a florist with complaints of a sense of throat tightness, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, urticaria, and facial angioedema attributable to the handling of this popular flower.


METHODS
An allergy skin testing by the puncture technique and a challenge test are performed in a private office. A staff member is used as a control for the skin testing. Main outcome measures are the subject's clinical symptoms.


RESULTS
The allergy skin testing reveals positive response to Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily), but negative to Stargazer lily, solidago, and few other flower extracts. In the challenge test, the subject develops conjunctival injection, postnasal drip with nasal congestion, and cough.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report of a type I allergic reaction to Alstroemeria and illustrate the ease of in-office performance of skin testing and challenge to flowering plants.
Chan
Robin Y C
RY
Oppenheimer
John J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D003990:Dibenzoxepins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004155:Diphenhydramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D027762:Lilium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D000069605:Olopatadine Hydrochloride; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012882:Skin Tests
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D003990:Dibenzoxepins; D000069605:Olopatadine Hydrochloride; D004155:Diphenhydramine; D011241:Prednisone