rosin and Prurigo

42 out of 93 Saskatchewan Indians (32 female (F) and 10 male (M] with actinic prurigo were patch tested to standard series allergens between 1983 and 1987. Positive reactions were most frequently seen with nickel (3F:2M) and colophony. All 3 positive patch tests to colophony were in males. The same patients were also patch tested to extracts of 21 Saskatchewan plants and 3 Hollister-Stier plant extracts. Only 1 male and 2 females had positive patch tests. None of these 3 had rashes on the eyelids, behind the ears or under the chin. We conclude that plant contact dermatitis is unlikely to be mistaken for actinic prurigo in Saskatchewan.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Child; Dermatitis, Contact; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Indians, North American; Male; Middle Aged; Nickel; Patch Tests; Plants; Pollen; Prurigo; Resins, Plant; Saskatchewan; Sex Factors; Skin Tests