Primula Allergic Dermatitis Simulating Occupational Contact Dermatitis Induced by Metals, Oils and Greases

Abstract

A case of the hands and face dermatitis in a patient employed in a store with motor-car spare parts is presented. Both the patient and her doctor were convinced that skin lesions were caused by the contact with metals, oils and greases. After detecting allergy to primine (after 48 and 96 h, ++), the patient recalled that two months earlier she had started to grow primrose (Primula obconica) at home. Patch tests with the primrose leaf and flower were also positive (++). The presented case provides evidence that routine primine testing is essential in all patients with suspected contact allergy dermatitis. In Poland like in the majority of countries, primina is not included in the standard kit. CASE REPORTA 52-year-old woman without history of atopy employed in a shop with motor car spare parts for 15 years consulted a physician in the Department of Occupational Diseases. Three months earlier she developed hand dermatitis, affecting particularly the fingers (erythema, vesicles) and erythema with edema on the eyelids and cheeks (Figs. 1 and 2). The patient and her doctor were convinced that the dermal changes were due to contact with metals, lubricants or greases at her workplace. Therefore, she was