Plant Dermatitis: Fact and Fancy

Abstract

Contact dermatitis resulting from allergy to plants affects millions of persons each year. Although benign and self-limiting, this condition is greatly annoying to the patient. Treatment depends on the severity of involvement. Systemic antihistamines are frequently given for their sedative effects, and aspirin is sometimes helpful. In moderate to severe cases, systemic corticosteroid therapy will relieve discomfort while the allergic process is spontaneously healing.

Destruction of plants which produce the dermatitis and hyposensitization are recommended as prophylactic measures.