Hyposensitization to poison ivy after working in a cashew nut shell oil processing factory

Ruthane F. Reginella, James C. Fairfield, James G. Marks

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

19 adults were patch tested to urushiol, the allergen in poison ivy/oak, to determine their sensitivity to this allergen after working in a cashew nut shell oil (CNSO) processing plant. The cashew nut tree and poison ivy/oak are in the same botanical family, Anacardiaceae, and they share similar chemicals which cause allergic contact dermatitis. 13 of the 19 workers had a preemployment history of poison ivy sensitivity, with 10 developing CNSO dermatitis. After working in this factory for several months, 9 of the 13 noticed a decreased sensitivity or no sensitivity to poison ivy/oak. When tested to urushiol extract, only 3 reacted positively, 2 minimally. These results imply that hyposensitization to poison ivy/oak occurred in these employees after development of hardening to cashew nut shell oil.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)274-279
Number of pages6
JournalContact Dermatitis
Volume20
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1989

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Dermatology

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