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Airborne contact dermatitis from Coleus plant
1Department of Dermatology, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Denmark.
Summary
A long-term facial dermatitis case was linked to a common houseplant. Patch testing identified Coleus blumei as the sole cause, revealing a novel allergen.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Botany
Background:
- Facial dermatitis presents a diagnostic challenge, especially when external triggers are not apparent.
- Chronic skin conditions necessitate thorough investigation into potential environmental sensitizers.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old female patient presented with a 25-year history of persistent facial dermatitis.
- No evident external causative factors were identified initially.
Findings:
- Patch testing was conducted using houseplants and a broad spectrum of common allergens.
- The patient exhibited a specific allergic reaction exclusively to Coleus blumei.
Implications:
- Coleus blumei should be considered as a potential allergen in cases of chronic facial dermatitis.
- This finding highlights the importance of including botanical allergens in diagnostic protocols for unexplained dermatological conditions.