ALLERGIC CONTACT-DERMATITIS FROM GRASSES

This study attempts to demonstrate the existence of allergic contact d ermatitis from grass, and to develop a patch test series to screen pat ients with grass intolerance. 6 common grass species from lawns and mi litary training areas were collected. Solvent extracts of polar, non-p olar and volatile fractions were prepared and used for patch testing i n 20 control subjects and 46 patients with a history of grass intolera nce. The 20 controls had negative responses to patch testing. 5 out of 46 patients had positive patch tests to Axonopus compressus (carpet g rass). Ischaemum muticum (seashore centipede grass). Imperata cylindri ca (lalang), Panicum maximum (Guinea grass) and Pennisetum purpureum ( elephant grass). Reactions to the non-polar fraction for all 5 species were noted. This study demonstrates the existence of allergic contact dermatitis from various common species of grass. in our series, this is seen in 11% of those with a history of grass intolerance. (C) Munks gaard 1997.