Oral hyposensitization in patients with contact dermatitis from Parthenium hysterophorus

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus is the commonest cause of airborne contact dermatitis in northern India. Treatment is mostly palliative and consists of repeated courses of antihistamines and topical and/or systemic corticosteroids. We have evaluated the effect of oral hyposensitization as an alternative therapeutic modality. In 70% of those patients who completed the study, there was a gradual improvement in their clinical status, as evident from a fall in their clinical severity score for eczema. 30% of patients had an exacerbation during the course of the study and hence hyposensitization in them was stopped. Patients tolerated therapy well and no significant side-effects were seen, except for abdominal pain, 'heartburn' and cheilitis.

Plants and Plant Products

“…In the remaining 14 patients, a progressive fall in the mean clinical severity score was noted, but no significant change in the titer of test reactivity. Long-term results are unspecified, with 3/7 patients free of symptoms after 1 year [51]. Currently, there is no scientific basis behind this practice, and the risk of toxic side effects should be considered [388,390].…”

“…The classical form involves exposed areas, but seborrheic-like dermatitis, widespread dermatitis, photosensitive lichenoid reactions and prurigo nodularislike eruptions have been reported [9,50]. Patients suffer seasonal relapses but sensitivity is lifelong, and sometimes complicated by the development of photosensitivity [50,51].…”

Hand Dermatitis: A Review of Clinical Features, Prevention and Treatment

“…There are published examples with nickel hyposensitization [69,92] and plant dermatitis [93]. Elimination diets have been tried with nickel, but are not routine clinical practice [69,94].…”

Airborne contact dermatitis - current perspectives in etiopathogenesis and management

“…Overall, patients tolerated the therapy well and no significant side effects were seen, except for abdominal pain, “heartburn” and cheilitis. [52]…”