Phytodermatitis: Reactions in the Skin Caused by Plants
Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention Report: 63-8-2001
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries August 2001
1-888-66-SHARP
www.lni.wa.gov/sharp/derm
Numerous occupations are associated with the risk of developing reactions to plants and
woods. These include food handlers, caterers, green grocers/market gardeners, farmers,
agricultural workers, florists, nursery workers, landscapers, forestry workers and loggers.
It is estimated that 50% of agricultural occupational skin disease is due to plants, trees
and natural vegetation (O’Malley et al 1988). Reactions to pesticides and chemicals
account for less than 20% of skin reactions in agricultural workers.
Plants harm skin in numerous ways. Dermatitis due to mechanical injury, irritant contact,
allergic contact, photo reactions (phytophotodermatitis) and contact urticaria
(pharmacologic injury) are some of the known reactions to plants. In many cases, it is
only specific parts of the plants that cause the reaction such as the bulb of tulips or lilies
or the pollen in tansy. Some plants can cause more than one type of skin reaction such as
tulips causing hives and allergic contact dermatitis.
Types of Plant Dermatitis
Mechanical: Dermatitis can be caused by cuts, abrasions and punctures from thorns,
spines and hairy appendages on the plants. These can become secondarily infected with
bacteria, mycobacteria or fungi. Prickly pears, pineapples, barberry, bamboo and rose
thorns are examples of plant material that can cause mechanical injury to the skin.
This reaction can occur in anyone and does not require sensitization to a
chemical. A reaction develops when the skin comes in contact with an irritating chemical
present in the plant. If there is skin trauma from spines or hairy appendages on the plant,
the reaction can be worse. Working in hot or wet working conditions can make the
reaction intensified. Examples of chemical irritants from plants include acids, proteolytic
enzymes and calcium oxylate crystals. This is the most common skin reaction to plants.
Mustards, chile peppers, pineapple, mayweed, cowhage and yarrow are examples of
plants that contain irritating chemicals that can injury the skin.
Irritant:
The reaction is caused by furocoumarin
chemicals (psoralens) present in plants in combination with Ultraviolet A light. After
exposure to the plant saps and sunlight, blisters form in a few hours. When the blisters
resolve, there is dark, streaky hyperpigmentation that can last for months. Most common
plants for causing this reaction are celery, carrots, parsnips, limes, figs, Queen Anne’s
lace and giant hogweed.
Photo Dermatitis (Phytophotodermatitis):
Unlike irritant dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis
requires a sensitized immune system. Not everyone will have a reaction caused by low
molecular weight compounds. This reaction requires previous sensitization to the
compound. It may take up to 48 hours to develop a reaction. The rash may persist for a
few weeks before healing. The most common plant causing this reaction is poison
Allergic Contact Dermatitis:
oak/ivy. The huge family of Compositae plants contain chemical compounds known as
sesquiterpene lactones which are sensitizers and irritants. Chrysanthemums and
numerous agricultural weeds such as dandelion, goldenrod, black-eyed Susan and tansy
in this plant family cause allergic contact dermatitis. Instead of developing blisters like
poison ivy, rashes from the Compositae family are usually chronic, dry, itchy,
eczematous reactions on the hands. Florists who are allergic to tulips and Alstroemeria
can develop severe reactions to these flowers. Except for poison oak/ivy rashes, this type
of reaction is the least common form of dermatitis.
Contact Urticaria or Pharmacologic Injury:
Urticaria (hives) develop after contact
with the plant or plant product. Irritant hairs on the surface of the plant can enhance
penetration of the pharmacological chemicals into the skin. Development of urticaria
may be a non-allergic or allergic reaction.
In the non-allergic reaction, any person is susceptible to the reaction. Nettles with
stinging hairs contain histamines, acetylcholine and serotonin and cause a burning
reaction in the skin with development of hives. The reaction can last for a few hours.
In the allergic type of urticaria, people with atopic eczema are more prone to serious
reactions with swelling of the lips, eyes, throat and generalized hives. There is usually a
pre-existing sensitization in the allergic type reaction. Proteins (such as latex) and pollen
in plants cause the allergic reaction. Garlic, onions, tulips and lilies can cause this type of
reaction in susceptible people.
Burke, WA. Skin diseases in farmers. In: Langley, RL, McLymore, RL, Meggs, WJ and
Roberson, GT, editors Safety and Health in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
Rockville, MD: Government Institutes; 1997. p. 321-352.
Lovell, CR. Plants and the Skin. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1993.
O’Malley, M et al. Surveillance of occupational skin disease using the supplementary
data system. Am J Indust Med 1988; 13: 291-299.
Rietschel, RL and Fowler, Jr., JF. Toxicodendron, plants, and spices. In: Fisher’s
Contact Dermatitis, 4th edition. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins; 1995. p. 461-523.
Sasseville, D. Phytodermatitis. J. Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 1999; 3: 263-279.
Zug, KA and Marks, JG. Plants and woods. In: Adams, RM, editor. Adams
Occupational Skin Disease, 3rd edition. Philadelphia: W B Saunders Company; 1999. p.
567-596.
Plants and Skin Reactions
Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
PLANT
Acacia
African violet
Alder, speckled
Alfalfa
Almond nut
Anemone
Angelica
Anise
Anise seed
Anthurium
Apples
Apricot
Arnica, wolf's bane, mountain tobacco
Artichoke
Ash
Asparagus
Aster
Balsam fir
Bamboo
Banana
Barberry
Barley
Beech, American
Beech, European
Beggar ticks
Begonia
Bergamot orange
Bindweed
Birch, European
GENUS
Acacia spp.
Saintpaulia spp.
Alnus rugosa
Medicago sativa
Prunis dulcis
Anemone spp.
Angelica archangelica
Pimpinella anisum
Pimpinella anisum
Anthurium spp.
Malus domestica
Prunus armeniaca
Arnica montana
Cynara scolymus
Fraxinus spp.
Asparagus officinalis
Aster spp.
Abies balsamea
Bambusa spp.
Musa spp.
Berberis spp.
Hordeum vulgare
Fagus grandifolia
Fagus sylvatica
Bidens frodosa
Begonia rex
Citrus aurantium v. bergamia
Convolvulus arvensis
Betula verrucosa
ALLURT NALLURT
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
ACD
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
MECH
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
IRR
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
PHOTO
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
ALLURT=allergic urticaria; NALLURT=nonallergic urticaria; ACD=allergic contact dermatitis; MECH=mechanical; IRR=Irritant; PHOTO=Photodermatitis
Christina Marino, MD, MPH
6/7/01
Page 1 of 10
Plants and Skin Reactions
Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
PLANT
Birch, paper
Bishop's weed
Bitter orange
Bitterweed
Black-eyed Susan
Blackberry
Blackthorn
Bleeding heart
Borage
Bougainvillea
Brazil nut
Brazilian pepper, Florida holly
Bur marigold
Burdock
Burning bush, gas plant
Buttercup
Cabbage
Cactus
Caladium
California glory
Calla lily
Canola bean, rape seed
Caraway
Carnation, pink
Carrot
Carrot weed
Cassia
Castor bean
Castor oil plant
Cauliflower
GENUS
Betula papyrifera
Ammi majus
Citrus aurantium
Helenium amarum
Rudbeckia hirta
Rubus spp.
Prunus spinosus
Dicentra spectabilis
Borago officinailis
Bougainvillea brasiliensis
Bertholletia excelea
Schinus terebinthifolius
Bidens tripartita
Arctium lappa
Dictamus albus
Ranunculus bulbuosus
Brassica oleracea
Cactaceae family
Caladium bicolor
Fremontodendron
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Brassica napus
Carum carvi
Dianthus carophyllus
Daucus carota
Parthenium hysterophorus
Cinnamomum cassia
Ricinus communis
Ricinus communis
Brassica oleracea botrytis
ALLURT NALLURT
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
ACD
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
MECH
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
IRR
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
PHOTO
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
ALLURT=allergic urticaria; NALLURT=nonallergic urticaria; ACD=allergic contact dermatitis; MECH=mechanical; IRR=Irritant; PHOTO=Photodermatitis
Christina Marino, MD, MPH
6/7/01
Page 2 of 10
Plants and Skin Reactions
Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
PLANT
Cedar
Celery
Century plant, agave
Chamomile, sweet
Chervil
Chestnut, horse
Chicory
Chile pepper
Chinese rice paper plant
Chives
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum, florist
Chrysanthemum, florist
Cinnamon
Citron
Citronella oil
Clematis
Cocklebur
Coffee bean
Coleus
Columbine
Comfrey
Coriander
Corn
Cornflower
Cosmos
Cotoneaster
Cotton
Cow parsley
Cow parsnip
GENUS
Cedrus spp.
Apium graveolens
Agave americana
Anthemis nobilis
Anthriscus cereifolium
Aesculus hipposcastanum
Chicorium intybus
Capsicum annuum longum
Tetrapanax papyriferus
Allium schoenoprasum
Chrysanthemum spp.
Chrysanthemum indicum
Dendranthema grandiflora
Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Citrus medica
Cymbopogon nardus
Clematis vitalba
Xanthium strumarium
Coffea arabica
Coleus blumei hybrids
Aquilegia spp.
Symphytum officinale
Coriandrum sativum
Zea mays
Centaurea cyanus
Codiaeum variegatum
Cotoneaster spp.
Gossypium spp.
Heracleum sphondylium
Heracleum lanatum
ALLURT NALLURT
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
ACD
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
MECH
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
IRR
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
PHOTO
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
ALLURT=allergic urticaria; NALLURT=nonallergic urticaria; ACD=allergic contact dermatitis; MECH=mechanical; IRR=Irritant; PHOTO=Photodermatitis
Christina Marino, MD, MPH
6/7/01
Page 3 of 10
Plants and Skin Reactions
Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
PLANT
Cowhage
Creosote bush
Croton bush
Croton of florist's
Crown of thorns
Cucumber
Cyclomen
Daffodil
Daffodil bulbs
Daffodil, wild, Lent lily
Dahlia
Daisy
Dandelion
Desert heliotrope
Devil’s walkingstick
Dieffenbachia
Dill
Dog's tooth violet
Dogwood, American
Dogwood, bloodtwig
Echinacea, coneflower
Elephant ears
Endive
Eucalyptus
False ragweed
Fennel
Fern, Boston or sword
Fern, leather leaf
Feverfew, bachelor's buttons
Feverfew, wild
GENUS
Mucuna pruriens
Larrea tridentata
Croton tiglium
Codiaeum variegatum v. pictum
Euphorbia milii or E. splendens
Cucumis sativus
Cyclomen persicum
Narcissus spp.
Narcissus spp.
Narcissus pseudo-narcissus
Dahlia spp.
Leucanthemum vulgare
Taraxacum officinale
Phacelia spp.
Aralia spinosa
Dieffenbachia picta or D. seguine
Anethum graveolens
Erythronium dens-canis
Cornus spp.
Cornus sanguineus
Echinacea purpurea
Alocasia macrorhiza
Cichorium endivia
Eucalyptus spp.
Ambrosia acanthicarpa
Foeniculum vulgare
Nephrolepis exaltata
Arachniodes adiantiformis
Tenacetum parthenium
Parthenium hysterophorus
ALLURT NALLURT
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
ACD
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
MECH
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
IRR
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
PHOTO
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
ALLURT=allergic urticaria; NALLURT=nonallergic urticaria; ACD=allergic contact dermatitis; MECH=mechanical; IRR=Irritant; PHOTO=Photodermatitis
Christina Marino, MD, MPH
6/7/01
Page 4 of 10
Plants and Skin Reactions
Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
PLANT
Fig
Fir, Douglas
Fireweed
Flax
Fleabane
Foxglove
Foxtail barley, squirrel tail barley
Garbanzo beans
Garlic
Geranium
Geranium
Giant hogweed
Ginger
Ginkgo tree (fruit), ginkyo
Goldenrod
Grape (stems)
Grapefruit
Green pepper
Greenbrier
Hawthorn
Hazel nut
Hellebore
Hemp
Hibiscus
Hop
Horseradish
Horsetails
Horseweed
Hyacinth bulbs
Hydrangea
GENUS
Ficus carica
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Epilobium latifolium
Linum usitatissimum
Erigeron spp.
Digitalis purpurea
Hordeum jubatum
Cicer arietinum
Allium sativum
Pelargonium pellatum
Pelargonium zonale
Heracleum mantegazzianum
Zingiber officanele
Ginkgo biloba
Solidago spp.
Vitus vinifera
Citrus paradisi
Capsium annuum grossum
Smilax rotundifolia
Crataegus monogyna
Corylus avellana
Helleborus spp.
Cannabis indica
Hibiscus spp.
Humulus lupulus
Armoracia rusticana or A.
Equisetum arvense
Conyza spp..
Hyacinthus orientalis
Hydrangea macrophylla
ALLURT NALLURT
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
ACD
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
MECH
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
IRR
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
PHOTO
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
ALLURT=allergic urticaria; NALLURT=nonallergic urticaria; ACD=allergic contact dermatitis; MECH=mechanical; IRR=Irritant; PHOTO=Photodermatitis
Christina Marino, MD, MPH
6/7/01
Page 5 of 10
Plants and Skin Reactions
Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
PLANT
Iris (dried rhizome)
Ivy, Algerian
Ivy, English
Jacaranda
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Jasmine
Jonquil
Jonquil bulbs
Juniper
Kiwi
Knotweed
Lady's slipper
Lady's slipper
Larch
Larkspur
Lavender
Leeks
Lemon
Lemon grass
Lettuce
Lettuce, curled
Lettuce, Romaine
Lichens
Lilies
Lime
Liverwort
Lovage
Magnolia tree
Mahogony, American
Mango
GENUS
Iris florentina
Hedera canariensis
Hedera helix
Machaerium scleroxylon
Arisaema triphyllum
Jasminum officinale
Narcissus jonquilla
Narcissus spp.
Juniperus spp.
Actinidia chinensis
Polygonum spp..
Cypripedium acaule
Paphiopedilum insigne
Latrix decidua
Consolida ambigua
Lavandula officinalis
Allium porrum
Citrus limon
Cymbopogon citratus
Lactuca sativa
Lactuca crispa
Lactuca sativa longifolia
Lichens
Lilium spp.
Citrus aurantifolia
Frullania
Levasticum officinale
Magnolia grandiflora
Swietenia macrophylla
Manifera indica
ALLURT NALLURT
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
ACD
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
MECH
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
IRR
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
PHOTO
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
ALLURT=allergic urticaria; NALLURT=nonallergic urticaria; ACD=allergic contact dermatitis; MECH=mechanical; IRR=Irritant; PHOTO=Photodermatitis
Christina Marino, MD, MPH
6/7/01
Page 6 of 10
Plants and Skin Reactions
Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
PLANT
Mango peel
Maple
Marigold
May apple
Mayweed, dog fennel
Mesquite
Millet
Mint, peppermint
Mint, spearmint
Mole plant, caper spurge
Mustard, black
Mustard, white
Narcissus bulbs
Narcissus, bunch flowered
Narcissus, florist
Noseburn vine
Nutmeg
Oak
Oak, white
Oat
Okra
Oleander
Onion
Orange
Ox-eye daisy, Marguerite
Palmettos
Palm
Palm
Palm
Paprika
GENUS
Manigera indica
Acer spp.
Tagetes patula
Podophyllum peltatum
Anthemis cotula
Prosopis juliflora var. glandulosa
Pennisetum cereale
Menth piperita
Mentha spicata
Euphorbia lathyrus
Brassica nigra
Brassica hirta
Narcissus spp.
Narcissus tazetta
Narcissus poeticus
Tragia involucra
Myristica fragrans
Quercus spp.
Quercus alba
Avena fatua
Hibiscus esculentus
Nerium oleander
Allium cepa
Citrus sinensis
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
Sabal spp.
Howea, Phoenix
Livistona, Chamaedorea
Chrysalidocarpus
Capsicum anuum v. longum
ALLURT NALLURT
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
ACD
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
MECH
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
IRR
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
PHOTO
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
ALLURT=allergic urticaria; NALLURT=nonallergic urticaria; ACD=allergic contact dermatitis; MECH=mechanical; IRR=Irritant; PHOTO=Photodermatitis
Christina Marino, MD, MPH
6/7/01
Page 7 of 10
Plants and Skin Reactions
Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
PLANT
Parlsey
Parsnip
Pasque flower
Pencil tree
Peony
Peppergrass, pepperweed
Periwinkle
Peruvian lily
Peruvian lily
Petty spurge
Philodendron
Pine
Pine, red
Pineapple
Poinsettia
Poison ivy
Poison oak
Poison sumac
Poplar
Potatoes
Pothos
Prickly pear
Primula
Prune
Queen Anne's lace
Radish
Ragweed
Red clover
Rhubarb
Rice
GENUS
Petroselinum sativum
Pastinaca sativa
Pulsatilla vulgaris or P. patens
Euphorbia tirucalli
Paeonia lactiflora
Lepidium spp.
Vinca spp.
Alstroemeria aurantiaca
Alstroemeria ligtu
Euphorbia peplus
Philodendron scandens
Pinus radiata, P. sylvestris
Pinus resinosa
Ananas comosus
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Toxicodendron radicans
Toxicodendron diversilobum
Toxicodendron vernix
Populus spp.
Solanum tuberosum
Epipremnum pinnatum
Opuntia ficus-indica, O. vulgaris
Primula obconica
Prunus spp.
Daucus carota
Raphanus sativus
Ambrosia artemisiaefolia
Trifolium pratensis
Rheum rhaponticum
Oryza sativa
ALLURT NALLURT
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
ACD
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
MECH
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
IRR
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
PHOTO
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
ALLURT=allergic urticaria; NALLURT=nonallergic urticaria; ACD=allergic contact dermatitis; MECH=mechanical; IRR=Irritant; PHOTO=Photodermatitis
Christina Marino, MD, MPH
6/7/01
Page 8 of 10
Plants and Skin Reactions
Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
PLANT
Rice starch
Rose
Rubber tree
Rue
Runner Bean
Russian thistle
Rye
Safflower
Scurf pea
Sesame oil
Sesame Seeds
Shallot
Sheperd's purse
Shiso
Silk oak
Skunk cabbage
Small head sneezeweed
Sneezeweed
Spider flower
Spinach
Spruce, Norway
Spruce, white
Spurge
Spurge nettle, tread softly
Stinging nettle
Strawberry
Strawflower
Sun spurge
Sunflower
Sunflower seeds
GENUS
Oryza sativa
Rosa spp.
Helea brasiliensis
Ruta graveolens
Phaseolus coccineus
Salsola kali
Secale cereale
Carthamnus tinctorius
Psoralen corylifolia
Sesamum indicum
Sesamum indicum
Allium cepa ascalonicum
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Perilla frutescens
Grevillea robusta
Symplocarpus foetidus
Helenium microcephalum
Helenium autamnale
Grivillea hybrid
Spinacia oleracea
Picea albies
Picea glauca
Euphorbia franckiana
Cnidoscolus stimulosis
Urtica dioica
Fragaria ananassa
Helichrysum diosmifolium
Euphorbia helioscopia
Helianthus annuus
Helianthus annuus
ALLURT NALLURT
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
ACD
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
MECH
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
IRR
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
PHOTO
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
ALLURT=allergic urticaria; NALLURT=nonallergic urticaria; ACD=allergic contact dermatitis; MECH=mechanical; IRR=Irritant; PHOTO=Photodermatitis
Christina Marino, MD, MPH
6/7/01
Page 9 of 10
Plants and Skin Reactions
Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
PLANT
Sweet bay
Tansy
Tarragon
Tearthumb weed
Thistle
Thyme
Timothy grass
Tobacco
Tomato
Trumpet creeper vine, cow itch
Tulip bulbs
Tulip tree
Tulips
Tumbleweed
Umbrella tree
Vanilla
Watercress
Western red cedar
Wheat
Whitlow grass
Wild chervil
Wild parsnip
Winged bean
Wood nettle
Wormwood
Yarrow
Yucca
Zinnia
GENUS
Laurus nobilis
Tenacteum vulgare
Artemisia dracunculus
Polygonum arifolium
Salsola kali
Thymus vulgaris
Phleum pratense
Nicotiana tobacum
Lycopersicon esculentum
Campsis radicans
Tulipa spp.
Liriodendron tulipifera
Tulipa spp.
Salsola kali
Schefflera actinophylla
Vanilla plantifolia
Nasturtium officinale
Thuja plicata
Triticium vulgare
Draba verna or Erophila verna
Anthriscus sylvestris
Pastinaca sativa
Psophocarpus tetragonolobus
Laportea canadensis
Artemisia absinthum
Achillea millefolium
Yucca spp.
Zinnia spp.
ALLURT NALLURT
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
ACD
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
MECH
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
IRR
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
PHOTO
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
ALLURT=allergic urticaria; NALLURT=nonallergic urticaria; ACD=allergic contact dermatitis; MECH=mechanical; IRR=Irritant; PHOTO=Photodermatitis
Christina Marino, MD, MPH
6/7/01
Page 10 of 10