Compositae Dermatitis in Childhood

Abstract

Compositae dermatitis occurred in a 9-year-old boy with a strong personal and family history of atopy. Positive patch test reactions were 2+ for dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), false ragweed (Ambrosia acanthicarpa), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisifolia), sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), wild feverfew (Parthenium hysterophorus), yarrow (Achillea millifolium), and tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and 1+ for Dahlia species and English ivy (Hedera helix). Patch tests were negative for another 30 plants, including cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), dog fennel (Anthemis cotula, fleabane (Erigeron strigosus), sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), and feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). The eruption resembled atopic dermatitis morphologically but was prominent on the palms and face and dramatically spared the area of the boy's feet covered by his shoes. The condition has always been seasonal, worsening in summer, especially July, and it clears on avoidance of contact. This case is believed to represent a contact dermatitis to oleoresins of Compositae plants; inhalants as a cause of systemic aggravation are not likely to be important in this patient.