Phytodermatitis in Eastern Turkey: a Retrospective, Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Plant life is extremely diverse, with a great deal of geographic and seasonal variation. Consequently, the range of reported adverse reactions is large, and there are important differences worldwide in the incidence and prevalence of these reactions. Systemic ingestion of some plants containing furocoumarins can cause erythema, edema, vesicle and bulla formation and later hyperpigmentation, after exposure to sunlight. They may at times exhibit clinical manifestations that mimic angioedema, and rarely progress to necrosis. This condition is named phyto-phototoxic reaction. Objective: Our aim was to identify plant dermatitis such as allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and phyto-phototoxic dermatitis in eastern Turkey and to add new data to the literature. Methods: Thirty patients diagnosed with plant dermatitis were evaluated retrospectively. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients (age, gender, the type of dermatitis, and the name of the causative plant) were recorded. Conclusions: A phyto-phototoxic reaction to Chenopodium album (Chenopodiaceae) developed in 12 cases. Irritant contact dermatitis developed due to Ranunculus kotschyi (Ranunculaceae) in 11 cases. The other plants studied were Malva neglecta Wallr (Malvaceae), Mandragora autumnalis (Solanaceae), Eryngium billardieri (Apiaceae), Ceratocephalus falcatus (Ranunculaceae), Ranunculus damascenus (Ranunculaceae), and Plantago lanceolata (Plantaginaceae).