Allergic contact dermatitis caused by poison ivy (Toxicodendron spp.)

Within 3 days two female patients presented with an eruption featuring eryt hema, edema, vesicles and bullae. We suspected poison ivy allergy which was subsequently proven by history and positive patch tests. In Germany the ri sk of specific hypersensitivity to Toxicodendron species is low, since the distribution of such plants is confined to botanical gardens. Other species belonging to the family of Anacardiaceae contain urushiols as well (e.g., mango, cashew) and may cause allergic contact dermatitis.