The Compositae plant feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is an important sensitizer in Europe and has been suspected of causing airborne Compositae
dermatitis. A previous investigation of substances emitted from feverfew plants detected no
sesquiterpene lactones, however, but mainly
monoterpenes. The aims of this study were to test whether feverfew-allergic patients were also sensitive to some of the above-mentioned
monoterpenes and, if so, to study associations between sensitization patterns, relevance of feverfew
allergy and clinical features. 17 patients with + +/+ + + reactions to feverfew and
parthenolide were tested with 15 selected
monoterpenes and 2
sesquiterpenes. Of the 17 persons, 13 had positive and/or doubtful positive reactions to 1 or more
monoterpenes. Only 1 person was allergic to several
monoterpenes. Her history of gradually worsening Compositae
dermatitis culminating in a probable airborne
dermatitis, mimicking photosensitivity, and the disappearance of symptoms upon removal of feverfew plants suggest
monoterpenes as a possible contributing factor. Similar associations between doubtful positive
monoterpene reactions and clinical patterns, fragrance/
colophonium allergy and relevance of feverfew
allergy were not established with certainty. In conclusion, sensitization to the
sesquiterpene lactones of feverfew is not invariably accompanied by sensitization to its volatile
monoterpenes. The presence of
monoterpene allergy, however, may contribute to airborne Compositae
dermatitis.