ABSTRACT
Patients with parthenium dermatitis are often unresponsive to topical steroids, and immunosuppressive agents may be necessary to reduce their need for systemic corticosteroids. We evaluated the efficacy of methotrexate in parthenium dermatitis. Sixteen patients unresponsive to topical treatment were included after baseline investigations, and treated with oral methotrexate (15 mg/week). Clinical response was monitored using a dermatitis area and severity index (DASI). Seven patients completed >or=6 months' follow-up, and their mean DASI fell to 5, 2.7 and 2.1 at the end of 1, 3 and 6 months respectively, from a baseline score of 10. Only 3/7 patients required oral prednisolone in the initial 2-4 weeks. Side effects were minor, being mainly folliculitis and furuncles. Methotrexate may hence be a useful alternative for patients with severe parthenium dermatitis.
Subject(s)
Allergens/adverse effects , Cistaceae/adverse effects , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/drug therapy , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Methotrexate/therapeutic use , Administration, Oral , Adult , Aged , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/etiology , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/pathology , Female , Humans , Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage , Male , Methotrexate/administration & dosage , Middle Aged , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Parthenium dermatitis is one of the most common causes of airborne contact dermatitis in India. Eczema herpeticum has been reported in association with various eczematous conditions, including Parthenium dermatitis. We report a case of eczema herpeticum in association with Parthenium dermatitis. Because Parthenium dermatitis is a common condition in this region, one should be aware of this complication so that appropriate treatment is not delayed.
