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:
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Airborne allergic or irritant contact dermatitis.
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Airborne phototoxic reactions.
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Airborne photoallergic reactions.
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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:
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The degree of contact hypersensitivity and quantity of antigen should be decreased.
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The causative agent or the plant should be removed immediately.
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The patient should try to cover as much of the skin area as possible with clothing.
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The uncovered area should be washed properly with soap and water before the allergens penetrate the skin barrier.
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Barrier creams should be applied.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.