Dermatitis Due to the Blossom of Grevillea Banksii

The occasional production of dermatitis venenata by contact with flowering plants has been commented on briefly by several writers. Weber,1in an extensive list of cutaneous irritants, mentioned the following plants as occasional sensitizers: daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus), buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), gas plant ( [Fraxinella] Dictamnus albus), olive spurge ([Mezereon] Daphne mezereum), catalpa (Catalpa sp.) and pasqueflower (Anemone patens). The list did not specify whether the blossoms or the leaves or both were irritating. Shelmire2discussed dermatitis from flowers and shrubs, remarking that florists and housewives, especially the latter, are naturally the most frequent sufferers from this. The most common skin sensitizers among the flowers and shrubs in his experience were the primose (Primula obconica), painted daisies ([Pyrethrum] Chrysanthemum sp.), feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) and other members of the chrysanthemum family; less frequent offenders were the Shasta daisy, narcissus, tulip, iris, vinca, petunia, verbena, carnation, zinnia,