The Sensitizing Capacity of Compositae Plants

Abstract

25 patients known or suspected to be allergic to different Compositae plants were tested epicutaneously with ether extracts of different Compositae species. 14 persons revealed a chrysanthemum hypersensitivity, 2 were allergic to arnica and 2 to camomile. In 1 patient a positive reaction to tansy was obtained. In the case of the chrysanthemum allergy, this was induced occupationally. All other patients had sensitized themselves by non-occupational contact. Cross-reactions were seen to tansy [14], yarrow [11], camomile [10], arnica and sunflower [5]. The components which are responsible for the sensitization as well as for the crossreactions are sesquiterpene lactones.