Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 12, 2025

A Mouse Ear Model for Allergic Contact Dermatitis Evaluation
Published on: March 24, 2023
Plant Dermatitis: More Than Just Poison Ivy
Lauren Watchmaker1, Margo Reeder1, Amber Reck Atwater1
1Ms. Watchmaker and Dr. Reeder are from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison. Dr. Reeder is from the Department of Dermatology. Dr. Atwater is from the Department of Dermatology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.
Abstract:
Plants can cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), mechanical irritant contact dermatitis, chemical irritant contact dermatitis, light-mediated dermatitis, and pseudophytodermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis to chemicals in the Toxicodendron genus, which includes poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, is the most common cause of plant ACD; however, many other plants, such as Compositae, Alstroemeriaceae, and Rutaceae plants also are important causes of dermatitis. In individuals with recurrent ACD from plants other than Toxicodendron, patch testing can be used to identify the source of allergic reactions to plant species. This article provides an overview of the various plant dermatoses, common culprits of plant dermatitis, and diagnostic and therapeutic options for plant dermatoses.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
Hypersensitivities
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Introduction to Plant Diversity

