IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Dr. Teki Satya Sri

Volume : VIII, Issue : VIII, August - 2019

A study of epidemiology & clinical patterns of parthenium induced dermatitis in agricultural labourers in and around Kakinada

Dr. Teki Satya Sri

Abstract :

Background: Parthenium hysterophorus is a member of compositae family which is an important cause of allergic contact dermatitis due to plants. Parthenium dermatitis is a major problem in India.It causes a spectrum of clinical patterns. Parthenium dermatitis in its classic form known as Air Borne Contact Dermatitis, primarily affects the exposed areas and the flexures . Other patterns are seborheic dermatitis, wide spread dermatitis and exfoliative dermatitisetc. Aims : This study was conducted to know epidemiology, and clinical patterns of Parthenium induced dermatitis in agricultural labourers residing in and around Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh who are constantly exposed to plants and weeds in their day today activities. Methods: A total of 75 patients i.e 60 males and 15 females with suspected phytodermatitis were subjected to complete clinical examination and clinicoepidemiological features were noted down. Routine haematological and urinary investigations were done to rule out systemic diseases.later, patch testing was done using finn chambers and parthenium antigens supplied by systopic Labs, New Delhi.Parthenium dermatitis is a major menace in agricultural labourers . Effective measures should be taken to evade this menace and to protect them. Hence, an attempt has been made to identify the role of Parthenium as a cause of phytodermatitis among agricultural labourers in this area.