Primula dermatitis

The leaf of various species of Primula contains the compound primin, a potent sensitizer that causes contact dermatitis in sensitive persons (Aplin and Lovell 2001 Ingber and Menne 1990). Primula dermatitis typically manifests as linear streaks of erythema with vesicles and bullae on the forearms, vesicles on the fingers, and sometimes on the face (Zachariae et al. 2007). The underground parts of cowslip do not contain primin, and thus no cutaneous effects... 

Hezemans-Boer M, Toonstra J, Meulenbelt J, Zwaveling JH, Sangster B, van Vloten WA (1988) Skin lesions due to exposure to methylbromide. Arch Dermatol 124 917-921 Hjorth N (1966) Primula dermatitis. Trans St John s Hospit Derm Soc 52 207-219... 

Primula dermatitis can be occupational [117], but usually one sees an older housewife with a dermatitis of the fingertips and streaks and patchy eczema on the hands, face [118] (especially the eyelids) [119] and arms [9, 120]. Primula obconica (Fig. 9) is such a common contact allergen in Europe that about i.o-i.8% of persons routinely patch tested react to the causative allergen, primin (0.01% in petrolatum) as part of the European screening series [118]. The eruption may not be suspected until the positive patch test appears [118], and the nondescript pattern may suggest an endogenous cause [118]. Rarely, one sees a reaction to the plant when the patch test to primin is negative [121]. 

Primula dermatitis is usually seen outside the occupational setting. However, those raising the plant are at some risk. Primula dermatitis takes several forms, especially on the hands and face, but it may also be widespread. Patch-test reading of tests to primin ostensibly are most likely to be positive on day 4, according to some [117]. 

Tabar AI, Quirce S, Garcia BE, Rodriguez A, Olaguibel JM (1994) Primula dermatitis versatility in its clinical presentation and the advantages of patch tests with synthetic 147. primin. Contact Dermatitis 30 47-48... 

Logan RA, White IR (1988) Primula dermatitis prevalence, detection and outcome. Contact Dermatitis 19 68-69... 

Primula dermatitis more than one allergen Contact Dermatitis 21 122-124... 

Hjorth N (1979) Primula dermatitis. In Mitchell JC, Rook 152. AR (eds) Botanical dermatology. Greengrass, Vancouver,... 

Cutaneous irritation, e.g. directly with nettle (Urtica), or dermatitis following sensitisation with Primula. 

ApUn, C.G., and C.R. Lovell. 2001. Contact dermatitis due to hardy Primula species and their cultivars. Contact Dermat. 44(l) 23-29. 

Machaerium scleroxylon) in a hobbyist handling the wood. Plants reported to cause erythema multiformelike eruption include poison ivy (Toxicodendron) (Schwartz and Downham 1981 Mallory et al. 1982), primula Primula obconica) (Hjorth 1966) and mug-wort (Artemesia vulgaris) (Kurz and Rapaport 1979). Mallory et al. (1982) reported urticarial eruptions with black deposits on the skin of four patients with Toxidocendron radicans dermatitis. Urticaria, erythema multiforme-like eruptions, in a patient from Rhus dermatitis was reported by Schwartz and Down-ham (1981). They recommended that patients with such reactions should be screened for systemic involvement as previous reports have shown that nephritis can be an associated feature (Meneghini and AngeUni 1981 Fisher 1986). 

Primula, a houseplant becoming more commonly grown, causes severe contact dermatitis, especially on exposed areas. However, while such eruptions may be occupational [8], one more often expects to see this allergy in older housewives who do not work outside the home [9]. 

Contact dermatitis from Primula obconica Hance. Contact Dermatitis 16 195-197 150. 

Primin is the allergen of Primula obconica. Occupational contact dermatitis occurs mainly in florists and horticulturists. 

---