OCCUPATIONAL ALLERGIC CONTACT-DERMATITIS CAUSED BY DECORATIVE PLANTS

12 cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by decorat ive plants were diagnosed in a 14-year period. The patients were middl e-aged, and their average exposure time was 13 years. The plant famili es and plants causing occupational contact dermatitis were Compositae (5 patients; chrysanthemum, elecampane, gerbera, feverfew), Alstroemer iaceae (5 patients, Alstroemeria), Liliaceae (4 patients; tulip, hyaci nth), Amaryllidaceae (2 patients; narcissus) and Caryophyllaceae (2 pa tients; carnation, cauzeflower). The known chemical allergens causing dermatitis were tuliposide-A and sesquiterpene lactones, such as alant olactones and parthenolide, in the Liliaceae and Compositae families. 7 of the 12 patients were able to continue their work; 5 were not beca use of severe relapses of skin symptoms. The plant allergen and extrac t series currently available are of great help in the diagnosis.