Contact sensitization to plants of the Compositae family: Data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) from 2007 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: The Compositae plant family includes many thousands of species, making it one of the most widespread group of plants worldwide. Sensitization to Compositae allergens may occur in private or in occupational settings.

OBJECTIVES: To monitor the current sensitization spectrum to Compositae allergens, especially in cooks and florists.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patch test results with two Compositae mixes (CM I and CM II; switch in Oct. 2011), their individual components, and sesquiterpene lactone mix (SL mix) in 1492 cooks, 851 florists, and a control group (118358 other patients) registered in the IVDK, 2007-2016.

RESULTS: Florists reacted significantly more frequently to CM I and II (CM I: 8.7%; CM II 10.6%) compared to cooks (CM I: 2.1%; CM II: 0.8%) and controls (CM I: 1.3%; CM II: 1.2%). Additional testing with SL mix detected 14.3% more sensitizations than CM I or II alone.

CONCLUSIONS: Florists are at considerable risk of sensitization to Compositae allergens. Patch testing with both, CM and SL mix is recommended. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.