DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages

Translate

Chrysanthemum

Author: Hon A/Prof Marius Rademaker, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand,1999.


Common name: Chrysanthemum
Botanical name: X dendranthema
Family: It is part of the very large Asteraceae (Compositae) family.
Origin: The chrysanthemum is a hybrid genus, which has been in cultivation in Asia for over 2000 years. Originally cultivated in China as an herb, chrysanthemums are now grown over the whole world, with many larger towns and cities having Chrysanthemum Societies. There are over 200 species in the genus, which includes annuals, small shrubs, and herbaceous perennials.
Description: Chrysanthemums are related to dahlias, sunflowers, marigolds, zinnias and cosmos. A single bloom is made up of hundreds of flowers called florets. Two kinds of florets are present, disk florets and ray florets. On a daisy type chrysanthemum the outer parts are ray florets and the centre or eye is composed of disk florets.

Airborne contact dermatitis due to chrysanthemum allergy

Uses: Ornamental flower. As an herb, it was believed by the Chinese to have the power of life. Legend has it that the boiled roots were used as a headache remedy; young sprouts and petals were eaten in salads; and leaves were brewed for a festive drink.
Allergens: Chrysanthemums contain a variety of allergens including sesquiterpene lactones. The allergens are borne on the surface of the flowers and leaves, often in the trichomes (plant hairs) which means that they can easily become airborne.
Allergy: Contact dermatitis from chrysanthemum often starts on the fingertips (from removing flower buds) but usually spreads to the forearms and face. It can sometimes be very persistent and has been associated with the development of chronic actinic dermatitis (a severe form of photosensitivity dermatitis). Chrysanthemums are the commonest cause of occupational dermatitis to compositae plants, affecting horticulturalists and florists, but many amateur gardeners are also at risk. Contact urticaria has also been reported following exposure to chrysanthemums; this is an itchy rash occurring within minutes of direct contact with the plant, which settles within an hour or so.
Cross reactions: If you are allergic to chrysanthemums, you unfortunately must remove all chrysanthemums and other members of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family from both your house and garden because even tiny quantities of the allergen in the pollen can cause a reaction on exposed skin.
Other information:  
Patch test: Sesquiterpene lactones

 

References

  • Singhal V, Reddy BS. Common contact sensitizers in Delhi. J Dermatol. 2000 Jul;27(7):440-5.
  • Kuno Y, Kawabe Y, Sakakibara S. Allergic contact dermatitis associated with photosensitivity, from alantolactone in a chrysanthemum farmer. Contact Dermatitis. 1999 Apr;40(4):224-5.
  • Paulsen E, Sogaard J, Andersen KE. Occupational dermatitis in Danish gardeners and greenhouse workers (III). Compositae-related symptoms. Contact Dermatitis. 1998 Mar;38(3):140-6.
  • de Jong NW, Vermeulen AM, Gerth van Wijk R, de Groot H. Occupational allergy caused by flowers. Allergy. 1998 Feb;53(2):204-9.
  • Lamminpaa A, Estlander T, Jolanki R, Kanerva L. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by decorative plants. Contact Dermatitis. 1996 May;34(5):330-5.
  • Tanaka T, Moriwaki SI, Horio T. Occupational dermatitis with simultaneous immediate and delayed allergy to chrysanthemum. Contact Dermatitis. 1987 Mar;16(3):152-4.
  • Thune P, Sandberg M. Allergy to lichen and compositae compounds in perfumes. Investigations on the sensitizing, toxic and mutagenic potential. Acta Derm Venereol Suppl (Stockh). 1987;134:87-9.
  • Schmidt RJ. Plant dermatitis. Compositae. Clin Dermatol. 1986 Apr-Jun;4(2):46-61.
  • Hausen BM. The sensitizing capacity of Compositae plants. III. Test results and cross-reactions in Compositae-sensitive patients. Dermatologica. 1979;159(1):1-11.
  • Campolmi P, Sertoli A, Fabbri P, Panconesi E. Alantolactone sensitivity in chrysanthemum contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis. 1978 Apr;4(2):93-102.
  • Hausen BM, Schulz KH. Chrysanthemum allergy III. Identification of the allergens. Arch Dermatol Res. 1976 Apr 21;255(2):111-21.
  • Bleumink E, Mitchell JC, Geismann TA, Towers GH. Contact hypersensitivity to sesquiterpene lactones in Chyrsanthemum dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis. 1976 Apr;2(2):81-8.
  • Lovell CR.1993, Plants and the Skin, Blackwell, Oxford.
  • Mitchell JC, Rook A, 1979, Botanical Dermatology, Plants and Plant products injurious to the skin, Greengrass, Vancouver.

 

Related information

Sign up to the newsletter