Dermatitis bullosa pratensisL23.-

Oppenheim and Fessler 1928

Phototoxic dermatitis that occurs after contact with plants containing phototoxic substances and subsequent exposure to sunlight.

Most of the triggering substances come from the group of psoralens(furanocoumarins) and are contained in leaves, stems and the fruit clusters of native or exotic plants. The following plants can cause phototoxic reactions after contact and exposure to light:

• Parsnip, also known as parsnip (Pastinaca sativa).
• Hercules perennial (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
• Meadow hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium)
• Masterwort (Peucedanum ostruthium)
• angelica (Angelica archangelica)
• Aschwurz (Dictamnus albus)
• Fig tree (Ficus carica)
• rue (Ruta graveolens)
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• Cartilaginous carrot, e.g. greater cartilaginous carrot (Ammi majus)
• Celery (Apium graveolens)
• Hemlock (Conium maculatum) - CAVE: one of the most toxic native plant species.

Some of these plants are also used in beverages (herbal liqueurs), spices or perfumes and can also cause a phototoxic reaction in this way.

Acute, itchy, erythematous, also small or large blistered dermatitis, which usually occurs as bizarre, streaky imitations of the affected plants at the contact points at the end of outdoor swimming pools. The inflammatory areas are strictly concentrated at the contact points. Scattering phenomena are missing. After a few days the dermatitis heals and typically lesional hyperpigmentation remains.

Rhus dermatitis: by contact with poisonous ivy or poisonous oak

Toxic contact dermatitis

Scalding (medical history)

Burns (medical history)

Avoid the triggering plants. This is best done by not lying on fresh grass with your upper body free.

In the acute inflammatory phase, symptomatic therapy with medium-strength glucocorticoid-containing creams or lotions such as 0.1% betamethasone lotio (e.g., Betagalen, R030 ), 0.25% prednicarbate cream(e.g., Dermatop), 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate (e.g., Alfason cream). In case of blister formation sterile opening, drying moist compresses if necessary with antiseptic additives such as quinolinol (e.g. Chinosol 1:1000) or potassium permanganate (light pink). In case of extensive blisters therapy like 2nd degree burn. Healing usually under postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

1. Schempp CM et al (1996) Dermatitis bullosa striata pratensis caused by Dictamnus albus L. (burning bush) [Dermatitis bullosa striata pratensis caused by Dictamnus albus L. (burning bush)]. Dermatologist 47:708-710.
   
2. Poniecka H (1990)Plants as the cause of contact allergy diagnosed at the Dermatological Clinic,Medical Academy, in Białystok. Przegl Dermatol 77:262-265.