Description
The population is exposed to a wide variety of plants and their derivatives. Susceptibility to the development of a cutaneous reaction depends on the plant, duration and frequency of exposure and the presence of a pre-existing dermatitis with reduced skin barrier function. In certain situations, irritation caused by the plant will predispose to the subsequent development of allergic dermatitis. Both immunological and non-immunological toxic mechanisms account for the cutaneous reactions seen. Immunologically mediated hypersensitivity reactions can be investigated using skin prick and patch testing.
