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Allergic contact dermatitis from hydrangea--is it so rare?
M Avenel-Audran1, B M Hausen, J le Sellin
1Service de Dermatologie, CHU Angers, France.
Contact Dermatitis
|September 30, 2000
Summary
Allergic contact dermatitis from hydrangeas is an occupational skin issue for nursery workers, primarily affecting hands. Patch tests confirm hydrangenol as the allergen, often seen in those with prolonged plant contact.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Occupational Health
- Allergology
Background:
- Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common skin condition.
- Hydrangea plants are known to cause ACD in some individuals.
- Occupational exposure increases the risk of developing ACD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report cases of ACD caused by hydrangea exposure.
- To identify the allergen responsible for hydrangea-induced ACD.
- To characterize the clinical presentation and risk factors for this occupational dermatosis.
Main Methods:
- Case series reporting of 8 patients with suspected hydrangea ACD.
- Clinical examination and detailed patient history.
- Patch testing with hydrangea plant material (stem and leaf) and isolated allergen (hydrangenol).
Main Results:
- All 8 patients presented with eczema on their hands, particularly the first three fingers.
- Chronic features such as fissuring and scaling were common.
- Patch tests with hydrangea and hydrangenol yielded strong positive reactions in all tested patients.
Conclusions:
- Hydrangea-induced ACD is an occupational dermatosis primarily affecting nursery workers.
- Hydrangenol is identified as the causative allergen.
- Prolonged and close contact with the plant is a significant risk factor for sensitization.