 OCCUPATIONAL DERMATOSES--A PROGRAM FOR PHYSICIANS--Supplemental Slides on Occupational Dermatology Case Studies (Contributed by Dirk M. Elston, MC, U.S.A)
Plant dermatitis is common among landscapers, nurserymen and forestry workers. The morphologic pattern is helpful in determining the offending agent. Microvesicular dermatitis suggests allergic contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy dermatitis. Photodistributed or streaky macular erythema suggests a phytophotodermatitis, such as lime, fig or meadow parsnip dermatitis. Agave dermatitis is seen among landscapers who come in contact with the juice from the leaves of the agave plant. Agave dermatitis is an irritant contact dermatitis, resulting in varying degrees of epithelial and vascular necrosis. The vascular necrosis results in purpura.
Patterns of distribution often predict the offending allergen in cases of allergic occupational dermatitis. Streaks of dermatitis suggest a point source of allergen. This is the typical pattern of allergic plant dermatitis.
Patches of dermatitis involving the dorsa of the feet generally represent allergic shoe or work boot den-natitis. Mercaptobenzothiazole is the most common allergen. The allergen is widely distributed in rubber and adhesives as well as cutting oils, antifreeze, detergents, flea powders and fungicides. The patient must be counseled about all sources of exposure.
Work boot dermatitis commonly involves the ankles. Other common sites of involvement are heel, toe and dorsum of foot. (Photo courtesy of MAJ Richard Vinson, MC USA).
Last update to this page: April 17, 2001
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