Dermatitis and conjunctivitis resulting from the sap of Euphorbia myrsinites

Background. Fresh sap of euphorbiaceae leads to a toxic burn of the skin an d the eyes. Since years the sap of euphorbiaceae has been used in the treat ment of different kinds of verrucas. Patients. After contact with the sap of Euphorbia myrsinites three children developped a toxic dermatitis. In addition, the youngest girl showed a con junctivitis and an occlusion of the right eye. Phorbolesters are considered to be responsible for the toxicity of the euphorbiaceae. All three childre n have resulted in a restitutio ad integrum. Conclusion. This case report is demonstrating the danger of toxic burn of t his kind of plant.