Photosensitivity and allergy to aromatic lichen acids, Compositae oleoresins and other plant substances

Sixteen patients with verified light sensitivity to both UVB and UVA wavebands showed allergic reactions to various lichen plants (Parmelia spp., Hypogymnia spp., Pseuodovernia spp., Cladonia spp., Platismatia spp., Physcia spp., Umbilicaria spp. and Cetraria spp.). Among the aromatic lichen compounds, atranorin was observed to be the most frequently involved allergen but also several other isolated lichen acids were immunologically active: d‐usnic, evernic, stictic, fumarprotocetraric, lobaric, salazinic, diffractaic and physodic/physodalic acid. Several patients showed allergy to other plant substances from other sources such as seven different species from the Compositae family, alantolactone, balsam of Peru, colophony and wood tars. Sensitivity to known photosensitizers was observed in four patients. Aromatic lichen acids are UV‐absorbing substances and several are evidently able to photosensitive human skin.

[1]  G. Wennersten.  Photodynamic reactions induced by compounds derived from lichens. , 1979, Acta dermato-venereologica.

[2]  P. Thune.  Contact allergy due to lichens in patients with a history of photosensitivity , 1977, Contact dermatitis.

[3]  K. Thomsen,et al.  Airborne contact dermatitis from Compositae oleoresins simulating photodermatitis , 1976, The British journal of dermatology.

[4]  N. Hjorth,et al.  Compositae sensitivity among patients with contact dermatitis , 1976, Contact dermatitis.

[5]  P. Thune.  Chronic polymorphic light eruption. Particular wavebands and the effect of carotene therapy. , 1976, Acta dermato-venereologica.

[6]  J. Møller,et al.  Studies on the Chemistry of Lichens. XI. Chemical Investigations of Five Norwegian Alectoria Species. , 1975 .

[7]  C. Calnan,et al.  Plant allergen test in photodermatitis , 1975, Contact dermatitis.

[8]  R. Champion.  ATOPIC SENSITIVITY TO ALGAE AND LICHENS , 1971, The British journal of dermatology.

[9]  J. Mitchell,et al.  Allergic contact dermatitis from Frullania and Compositae. The role of sesquiterpene lactones. , 1970, The Journal of investigative dermatology.

[10]  J. Mitchell,et al.  Immunologic activity of some substances derived from lichenized fungi. , 1969, The Journal of investigative dermatology.

[11]  Y. Solberg.  Studies on the chemistry of lichens , 1969 .

[12]  B. Thorell,et al.  Dyeing of Wool with Lichens and Lichen Substances. , 1956 .

[13]  Chemical investigations of the lichen species , 2022 .