[Occupational contact allergy to feverfew Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip.; Asteraceae]

Allergic Contact Dermatitis due to Feverfew Tanacetum parathenium, Asteraceae. After breeding and selling a new ornamental form of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schulz-Bip. = Chrysanthemum parthenium (L.) Bernh.), sold the flower markets under the misleading name, "chamomile", a 40 year old female florist developed after a half year handling recurrent dermatitis of the face, neck, hands and forearms. Epicutaneous tests revealed positive reactions to 10 species of the Compositae family, including chrysanthemums, aster Gaillardia. Arnica and truc chamomile. However, the strongests results were seen with petals and leaves of feverfew. Renewed strong reactions to parthenolid, the main sesquiterpene lactonic constitutent of European feverfew demonstrated that this compound was the responsible contact allergen. The sensitizing capacity of parthenolid has been shown in previous investigations in guina pigs. Furthermore, cross-reactionsto parthenolid were frequently observed in chrysanthemum sensitive persons. Mexican samples of feverfew contain the eudesmanolid santamarin and traces of other sesquiterpene lactones, but parthenolid is lacking. Further studies are needed to clarify the sensitizing potency of this related compound.