1/7. Phytophotodermatitis: the other "lime" disease.Phytophotodermatitis is a skin eruption that occurs after contact with photosensitizing compounds in plants and exposure to UV light. There are two common presentations of phytophotodermatitis. Acutely, erythema and vesiculation similar to a severe sunburn are noted. After resolution of the inflammation, the involved skin has marked hyperpigmentation. Many plants have been identified that contain furocoumarins (psoralens), including limes, lemons, and celery. We present a patient with an acute phototoxic eruption and hyperpigmentation after contact with limes during a beach vacation.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = plant (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/7. T-lymphocyte cytokine profiles in compositae airborne dermatitis.Compositae airborne dermatitis is a well-recognized disorder characterized by erythematosquamous lesions and papules on light-exposed areas. The presence of positive patch test reactions and the absence of specific serum IgE suggest delayed-type hypersensitivity, the murine model of which is characterized by a Th1 cytokine production profile [high amounts of interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-2; little or no IL-4 and IL-5]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytokine profile of T-cell lines and T-cell clones from peripheral blood in a 38-year-old non-atopic male woodcutter affected by seasonal airborne contact dermatitis. The patient showed positive patch test reactions to several Compositae extracts (achillea millefolium, Chamomilla recutita, tanacetum parthenium, T. vulgare) and sesquiterpene lactone mix. On prick testing with Compositae and other plants, serum-specific IgE levels and phototesting were negative or normal. Allergen-specific T-cell lines produced with Compositae extracts showed a good in vitro cell proliferation only to C. recutita extract. Serial cloning performed using the C. recutita-specific T-cell lines revealed an alphabeta CD4 phenotype with high amounts of IFN-gamma and IL-4 in T-cell clones. Thus, these cells expressed a preferential Th0 phenotype. These data suggest that in addition to IFN-gamma, other T-cell derived cytokines, such as IL-4, may play a part in the immunopathogenesis of contact dermatitis.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = plant (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/7. Bullous phytophotodermatitis associated with high natural concentrations of furanocoumarins in limes.BACKGROUND: Phytophotodermatitis is a phototoxic reaction, occurring in skin exposed to sunlight after contact with plants containing furanocoumarins. Typical reactions are mild, showing erythema with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. A 6-year-old boy presented with marked, symmetric, painful erythema and edema of both hands that rapidly developed into dramatic bullae covering the entire dorsum of the hands. The history revealed that the hands had been bathed in lime juice for a prolonged period in the preparation of limeade. OBJECTIVE: This report documents an unusual bullous presentation of phytophotodermatitis resulting from contact with furanocoumarins in local limes. This study was conducted to identify and measure the inciting substances from the rind and pulp of the limes. methods: Psoralen, xanthotoxin, bergapten, and isopimpinellin content were measured by gas chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography RESULTS: The rind contained 6- to 182-fold concentrations of all furanocoumarins measured when compared with pulp. Bergapten was the most abundant substance in the rind. CONCLUSION: Hydration of the skin during the preparation of limeade combined with increased levels of bergapten in local limes to produce a dramatic bullous reaction. We encourage clinicians to consider the possibility of phytophotodermatitis in severe bullous skin reactions.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = plant (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/7. Severe phototoxic reaction to laser treatment in a patient taking St John's Wort.Potential patients in the developed world are increasingly turning to treatment with herbs. One of the most popular herbs taken for depression is St John's Wort, which contains the potential photosensitizer hypericin. 'Hypericism' is a term used to describe a state of skin sensitivity to visible light in animals following ingestion of hypericin-containing plants and feed. A patient who developed a severe phototoxic reaction to laser light at 532 nm and also an exaggerated and unexpectedly severe response to pulsed dye laser light at 585 nm is described. It subsequently transpired that the patient was taking St John's Wort at the time of laser treatment.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = plant (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/7. Berloque dermatitis induced by "florida water".Phytophotodermatitis is a phototoxic dermatitis resulting from contact with psoralen-containing plants such as celery, limes, parsley, figs, and carrots. Berloque dermatitis is a variant of phytophotodermatitis and is caused by high concentrations of psoralen-containing fragrances, most commonly oil of bergamot. Berloque dermatitis is rarely seen today because of the removal of these fragrances from most cosmetic products in the united states. We report, however, a group of patients still at risk for berloque dermatitis. These patients use the colognes "florida water" and "Kananga water," which are popular in Hispanic, African American, and Caribbean populations. These fragrant waters are used for spiritual blessing, treating headaches, and personal hygiene.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = plant (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/7. Phototoxic dermatitis due to chenopodium album in a mother and son.chenopodium album L. subs. album (chenopodiaceae) is an annual herb with fibrous roots. The plant grows worldwide and frequently in moist areas. Sometimes, the young parts of this plant can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. In this article, we report a mother and her adult son, in whom phototoxic reaction developed on the sun-exposed body areas after eating this plant of chenopodiaceae family because of rare presentation. We thought that this reaction was probably due to furocoumarins constituent within the plant.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 2keywords = plant (Clic here for more details about this article) |
7/7. burns induced by plants.plants of the family Umbelliferae are known to cause a phytophotodermatitis due to a phototoxic reaction caused by furocoumarin (psoralens) and simultaneous exposure to sunlight. We report four patients with partial skin thickness burns, induced by this phototoxic reaction. One occurred after contact with parsley (Apium petroselinum) and three others after contact with giant hogweed (heracleum mantegazzianum) and simultaneous exposure to sunlight.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 2keywords = plant (Clic here for more details about this article) |