Hyposensitization to poison ivy after working in a cashew nut shell oil processing factory |
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Authors: | Ruthane F Reginella James C Fairfield James G Marks Jr |
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Institution: | Division of Dermatology, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey 17033. |
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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. |
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Keywords: | allergic contact dermatitis cashew nut shell oil poison ivy poison oak hardening hyposensitization occupational |
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