Allergic contact dermatitis to Toxicodendron succedaneum (rhus tree): an autumn epidemic

To document all cases of allergic contact dermatitis (phytodermatitis) due to contact with Toxicodendron succedaneum (rhus tree) presenting to a dermatology clinic during 1993.

Case-note review of all cases of phytodermatitis attributed to exposure to rhus tree seen during 1993 in a dermatology clinic.

Twenty cases of phytodermatitis to T succedaneum were reviewed. Eight patients were females and 12 males with a bimodal age distribution (ten children under age of 15 yr, five adults between 35-45 yr of age). Younger patients presented with facial dermatitis reflecting facial contact whilst playing under rhus trees. Older patients presented largely with a dermatitis affecting the upper limbs reflecting contact whilst gardening (usually pruning). Fifteen out of twenty presented during the months of March through May (ie. autumn), with the remainder presenting in summer (Dec-Feb). The majority of patients required systemic steroids to settle the intense dermatitis.

Phytodermatitis to T succedaneum is not uncommon in New Zealand, particularly during the autumn months. The clinical presentation varies according to the patient's activity.