Cutaneous contact urticaria to pyrethrum-real?, common?, or not documented?: an evidence-based approach

Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2007;26(1):57-72. doi: 10.1080/15569520601183880.

Abstract

Reports suggest that pyrethrum, the insecticidally active extract from Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium, can induce Type I hypersensitivity reactions in humans. Using knowledge of pyrethrum chemistry and an evidence-based analysis of literature, whether current refined pyrethrum induces and/or elicits skin manifestations of contact urticaria was assessed. Current extraction and refinement techniques suggest that refined pyrethrum lacks the presence of significant, if any, proteins speculated to induce Type I hypersensitivity. Our interpretation suggests that no reports of Type I reactions presented in the literature fulfill the criteria for immunologic contact urticaria. Future patient testing with current commercial material should clarify its Type I immunologic potential, if any.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium / chemistry*
  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic / diagnosis
  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / diagnosis*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / immunology
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods
  • Humans
  • Pyrethrins / administration & dosage*
  • Pyrethrins / immunology
  • Rhinitis / diagnosis
  • Rhinitis / immunology
  • Urticaria / diagnosis*
  • Urticaria / immunology

Substances

  • Pyrethrins