Contact dermatitis due to Allivum sativum and Ranunculus illyricus: two cases

Abstract

Plants are of relevance to dermatology for both their adverse and beneficial effects on skin and skin disorders respectively. Virtually all cultures worldwide have relied historically, or continue to rely on medicinal plants for medical care. As alternative herbal remedies are becoming more widely used there is an increase in phytocontact dermatitis. Here we document two patients who developed contact dermatitis due to Allivum sativum, and Ranunculus illyricus after applying to the skin in order to relieve the rheumatological joint pain.

Irritant phytocontact dermatitis caused by buttercup at various times: A series of three patients

“…In Turkey the topical or systemic use of traditional herbal treatments is extremely widespread in the geriatric age group in particular, and topical use is most often preferred for rheumatological diseases (6).…”

Phytocontact dermatitis mimicking a burn injury due to Ranunculus constantinopolitanus

“…In Turkey, R. constantinopolitanus is frequently used to relieve rheumatological joint pain (1). Irritant, phototoxic, immediate, and delayed hypersensitivity reactions have been described from skin exposure to the plant (2) that contains ranunculin and protoanemonin glycoside.…”

“…In Turkey, alternative herbal remedies are widely used, especially for rheumatological joint pain (1), and may cause phytocontact dermatitis.…”

Phytocontact Dermatitis: A Case Study

“…In Turkey, there are several indications for the use of herbal treatment; however, the most common indication is rheumatological diseases (6). Vesicles may be misdiagnosed as burns and therefore treated in plastic surgery clinics (7).…”