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Bulb dermatitis. Dermatological problems in the flower bulb industries
1Department of Occupational Dermatology, Free University Academic Hospital, Amsterdam.
Contact Dermatitis
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Flower bulbs like tulips and onions can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, leading to conditions such as "tulip fingers" and "lily rash." Hyacinths cause itching due to calcium oxalate crystals.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Botany
Background:
- Flower bulbs are common in households and gardens.
- Some flower bulbs possess irritant and allergenic properties.
- Clinical manifestations range from dermatitis to itching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the irritant and allergenic properties of important flower bulbs.
- To detail the clinical symptoms associated with exposure to these bulbs.
- To highlight challenges in patch testing due to unidentified allergens.
Main Methods:
- Review of known irritant and allergenic properties of flower bulbs.
- Description of clinical presentations.
- Discussion of diagnostic challenges, including patch testing.
Main Results:
- Tulips contain tulipalin A, causing "tulip fingers" via sensitization and irritation.
- Onions and garlic (Alliums) can induce similar symptoms to tulips.
- Narcissus causes "lily rash" (dermatitis), infrequently due to sensitization.
- Hyacinths cause itching in most individuals, an irritant reaction from calcium oxalate crystals.
Conclusions:
- Several common flower bulbs present significant dermatological risks.
- Tulip fingers and lily rash are key clinical syndromes linked to specific bulbs.
- Further research is needed to identify all bulb allergens for accurate patch testing.