HomeHealth articlesairborne contact dermatitisAirborne Contact Dermatitis (ABCD) Due to Congress Grass

Airborne Contact Dermatitis (ABCD) Due to Congress Grass

Verified dataVerified data
0
Airborne Contact Dermatitis (ABCD) Due to Congress Grass

4 min read

Share

Airborne contact dermatitis (ABCD) is a type of contact dermatitis that results from airborne allergens like dust, sprays, pollens, etc.

Written by

Dr. Suvash Sahu

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 14, 2016
Reviewed AtDecember 5, 2023

Introduction:

One of the airborne allergens is Parthenium hysterophorus also known as congress grass. Congress grass is a short herb that is known for being a medical, agricultural, and environmental threat. Congress grass is a weed that has become the seventh most hazardous weed on many continents. It is stated that this weed was introduced everywhere accidentally in the world through shipments of contaminated wheat and now it is found almost everywhere in the world. That is why, the cases of airborne contact dermatitis because of Congress grass are documented from all over the world. The congress grass is also known as altamisa, carrot grass, bitter weed, white top, wild feverfew, star weed, and the “Scourge of India”. The primary allergen that is a causative agent for airborne contact dermatitis has been investigated to be sesquiterpene lactones. After entering the skin, the Parthenium antigen is taken up by the antigen-presenting cells in the skin, then transports the allergen to regional lymph nodes where it is presented to T-lymphocytes. Later, T-cell clonal proliferation happens and it leads to the infiltration of T-lymphocytes into re-exposed skin sites with the resultant development of cutaneous inflammation.

What Is Airborne Contact Dermatitis (ABCD)?

Airborne Contact Dermatitis (ABCD) is a type of contact dermatitis that results from airborne allergens like pollens, and dust particles. Airborne contact dermatitis is a dermatosis affecting especially the uncovered parts of the body and results from allergens or irritants present in the atmosphere. Allergens can be found in various forms like dust, sprays, and pollens, that settle on the exposed parts of our body. Patch test, prick test, or radio allegro sorbent test, history of the patient, and the distribution and morphology of the lesions help in the diagnosis of airborne contact dermatitis. The face, exposed chest area, axillae, forearms, and sometimes the major folds of the body can be some of the affected areas of the body from airborne contact dermatitis. Parthenium hysterophorus is the most common cause of contact dermatitis. Airborne contact dermatitis can be referred to as acute and chronic dermatitis. This condition can affect anyone, especially people who are exposed to allergens most of the time. Airborne contact dermatitis can be seen generally to be symmetrically spread. The revealed skin of the body is usually affected like the face, neck, dorsal part of hands, upper chest, and forearms. Also, the covered areas of the body also get affected as the allergens can get accumulated under the clothes.

What Is a Congress Grass?

Parthenium hysterophorus is another name for the congress grass. Congress grass is also known as Altamira, carrot grass, bitter weed, white top, wild feverfew, star weed, and the “Scourge of India”. It is called a noxious weed in many continents of the world. Congress grass is a weed believed to be a reason for allergic respiratory problems, contact dermatitis, and mutagenicity in humans and livestock. Due to allelopathy, crop production is affected worldwide. Allelopathy is known as a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on the neighboring plants' growth due to the release of secondary compounds. This weed is also aggressive in nature and is a threat to biodiversity. There is no known economic importance of it till now. This is a comparatively short herb and is known for its property to produce so many offspring in a short time. This is why, it spreads in a large area in a relatively short time.

Congress grass is a noxious weed that is often spotted on abandoned lands, developing residential colonies, railway tracks, roads, drainage, irrigation canals, etc. This weed is known for its growth luxuriantly in established gardens, plantations, and vegetable crops. As it has high fecundity, a single plant can produce 10,000 to 15,000 viable seeds, and these seeds can scatter and germinate to cover extensive areas.

Congress grass is stated to have numerous health hazards that have now reached an epidemic level. Dermatitis has been defined as T-cell-mediated immune injury and the disease results in itchy erythematous papules and papulovesicular lesions on the revealed skin of the body. Such effects are related to the cytotoxicity of the sesquiterpene lactone parthenium. Clinical manifestations include skin inflammation, asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, black spots, blisters, etc. It is also the cause of diarrhea, breathlessness, choking, and severe papular erythematous eruptions. Allergic bronchitis is also caused by it.

What Are the Clinical Manifestations of Airborne Contact Dermatitis?

Airborne contact dermatitis is classified as follows:

  • Airborne allergic or irritant contact dermatitis.

  • Airborne phototoxic reactions.

  • Airborne photoallergic reactions.

  • Airborne contact urticaria.

Some other rare airborne skin reactions include exfoliative dermatitis, lichenoid papules, hyper- and depigmentation, and targetoid lesions. One particular product can cause more than one type of reaction, for example, Parthenium hysterophorus can produce allergic contact dermatitis, photo contact dermatitis, and a lichenoid eruption.

What Are the Ways to Manage Airborne Contact Dermatitis?

The following ways can be practiced to manage the symptoms of airborne contact dermatitis:

  • The degree of contact hypersensitivity and quantity of antigen should be decreased.

  • The causative agent or the plant should be removed immediately.

  • The patient should try to cover as much of the skin area as possible with clothing.

  • The uncovered area should be washed properly with soap and water before the allergens penetrate the skin barrier.

  • Barrier creams should be applied.

  • Residents of such areas should think about relocating which may help a little in reducing exposure.

What Are the Treatment Options for Airborne Contact Dermatitis?

  • Corticosteroids are one of the primary options for the treatment of airborne contact dermatitis. Mild to moderate levels of the disease can be cured by the topical use of corticosteroids.

  • Azathioprine is one of the immunosuppressants that can be used to treat the condition. For severe conditions, systemic steroids like Prednisolone are needed in order to control the spread.

  • Methotrexate and Cyclosporine can also be considered effective steroid-sparing agents. Cyclosporine may be used in the acute phase because of its faster response. Other treatment options can be discussed with the physician.

Conclusion:

Airborne contact dermatitis patients usually have active symptoms even many years after diagnosis. Avoidance of further antigen exposure should be emphasized. A few biological measures such as exotic arthropods and opportunistic pathogens, the use of various antagonistic plants and bioherbicides, and chemical herbicides can help in decreasing congress grass. This condition can be challenging due to its clinical manifestations. Clinical manifestations can be managed in various ways. Some daily habits can be practiced to reduce the effect of the condition such as washing the exposed skin properly as soon as possible, using barrier creams, and covering most of the body parts with clothes. Treatment ways can be discussed with the physician to control the condition. A few practices should be undertaken to eradicate the spread of the congress grass. People should be educated about the ill effects of the Congress grass and also be taught ways to eliminate its growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Is Airborne Contact Dermatitis?

Airborne contact dermatitis is an acute or chronic dermatitis of the body's exposed regions, such as the face. This dermatitis is primarily caused by the particles that are suspended in the air. These particles include fibers, dust, vapors, pollens, sprays, gases, and plant materials.

2.

What Is the Treatment of Airborne Contact Dermatitis?

The treatment of airborne contact dermatitis includes the following:
- Steroid creams or ointments to soothe the rashes of contact dermatitis.
- Oral medications to reduce inflammation and relieve itching.

3.

Can Contact Dermatitis Spread Normally?

Any person affected by an allergic contact dermatitis presents with symptoms such as skin reddening, oozing blisters filled with fluid. The fluid-filled inside the blisters is not contagious and does not spread to other regions of the body or other people in contact. Thus, it is not normal for a contact dermatitis to spread.

4.

How Can I Get Rid of Contact Dermatitis?

The following are certain remedies that can help in fast healing of contact dermatitis:
- Usage of cool compresses.
- Cleaning the affected area frequently.
- Over-the-counter creams.
- Antihistamine tablets or creams.
- Lukewarm baths.
- Avoid scratching of itchy regions.
- Usage of moisturizer.

5.

What Is the Best Ointment That Can Be Used for Dermatitis?

Hydrocortisone ointment is the medication that doctors frequently recommend to treat mild eczema. The affected individuals need different formulations of these steroids based on the location and the severity of the rash.

6.

How Long Does It Take for Contact Dermatitis to Get Cured?

Under normal circumstances, the rashes caused by contact dermatitis usually get resolved in two to four weeks. Faster relief can be achieved by soothing the person's skin with cold or wet compresses or by using anti-itch creams and other self-care measures.

7.

Does Contact Dermatitis Aggravate With Heat?

Yes, contact dermatitis can aggravate with heat. If the affected individual already has irritant contact dermatitis symptoms, they can be aggravated by factors such as heat, cold, friction, and low humidity.

8.

Does Contact Dermatitis Spread to Other Regions of the Body?

Yes, contact dermatitis usually spreads to other regions of the body. Dermatitis can spread through the fluid from the blisters caused by contact dermatitis. It can also spread to other people in contact with the affected person.

9.

How Does a Contact Dermatitis Spread?

Allergic contact dermatitis usually spreads over time. It is mainly due to delayed reactions of the allergens. Heavily contaminated areas break out initially, which is then followed by the areas of lesser exposure.

10.

Does Dermatitis Spread by Scratching?

Scratching the itchy regions of the rashes can make the sores to expose. This can lead to the development of infections. These skin infections are highly contagious, and can even become life-threatening.

11.

When Should I Consult a Doctor for Contact Dermatitis?

The following are the various situations where you should consult your doctor when you have dermatitis:
- When the rash is sudden in onset and associated with severe pain.
- When the rash is widespread.
- When the rashes do not get resolved within a period of three weeks.
- When the rash affects the person's face or genitals.

12.

Can Aloe Vera Relieve Contact Dermatitis?

Yes, aloe vera can relieve contact dermatitis in mild cases. The reason behind this is that aloe vera gel works as a natural antibacterial moisturizer. Using aloe vera in patients affected with eczema can help in hydration of the skin and significantly reduce the risk of eczema.

13.

What Does Irritant Contact Dermatitis Appear Like?

Contact irritant dermatitis can appear in different forms, primarily based on the conditions of exposure. The common symptoms are as follows:
- A scarlet red rash.
- Itching can be severe.
- The skin may look very dry, cracked, and scaly.
- Bumps and blisters, which can be noted to ooze and crust.
- Swelling.
- Severe burning and associated pain.

14.

Can Vaseline Be Used for Dermatitis?

The US National Eczema Association has confirmed that Vaseline Jelly Original can be used in eczema patients and people who are affected with sensitive skin conditions. The use of petroleum jelly on the rashes can help in relieving the dry skin symptoms.

15.

Is It Possible to Treat Contact Dermatitis Naturally?

The following includes the natural remedies of contact dermatitis:
- Coconut oil.
- Vitamin E.
- Honey.
- Aloe vera.
- Cold compress.
- Turmeric.

16.

Does Contact Dermatitis Get Resolved by Itself?

In most people who have been affected with contact dermatitis, the rashes get resolved as soon as the allergic or irritant substance is removed from contact with the skin. The affected individual is also advised to avoid scratching the irritated skin because scratching can aggravate the condition and may lead to a skin infection. This would later require antibiotic treatment.
Dr. Suvash Sahu
Dr. Suvash Sahu

Dermatology

Tags:

airborne contact dermatitisparthenium dermatitisparthenium hysterophorusmycophenolate mofetilsesquiterpene lactones
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

airborne contact dermatitis

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy