Sesquiterpene lactone mix

This patient information on Sesquiterpene lactone mix is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

The results from your patch testing showed a positive reaction (contact allergy) to Sesquiterpene lactone mix. Your immune system reacts with its defense mechanisms with each exposure of Sesquiterpene lactone mix to your skin. It is unknown why certain individuals develop allergic sensitivities. In some it may take repeat exposures over long periods of time before an allergy develops. Once you have become sensitized (allergic) your immune system always “remembers” and you will be Sesquiterpene lactone sensitive. If you currently have eczema this chemical may be the cause but other factors may play a role as well. The information below will help you avoid this allergen.

This is a screen for oils found in plants fro the composite family.

Allergy can be to direct contact with the plant and or pollen or to skin care products that use the plant extracts. Outdoor occupations and hobbyists are at risk.

Where is chemical found?

Cosmetics
Creams
Lotions
Ointments
Topical medicines (especially “natural”)

Plants known to contain sesquiterpene lactones are listed below:

Arnica
Artichoke, globe
Artichoke,wild
Bitterweed
Boneset
Broomweed
Burdock
Capeweed
Chamomile, Roman
Chamomile,German
Champaca of perfumery
Chicory
Chrysanthemum
Cocklebur
Cosmos
Costus of perfumery
Cotton thistle
Encelia
Feverfew
Fireweed
Fleabane
Gayule
Hampweed
Ironweed
Laurel oil
Leafcup
Lettuce
Liverwort
Marguerite
Marigold
Marsh elder
Oxeye
Pyrethrum
Ragweed
Sagebrush
Sneezeweed
Sow thistle
Star thistle
Stinkwort
Sunflower
Tansy
Tulip tree
Whitewood of commerce
Wormwood
Yarrow

Hints on avoiding chemical:

Choose products listed only on your personalized Contact Allergen Database
which has been provided to you. Products listed on your contact allergen resource database will be free of Sesquiterpene lactone mix and safe to use.
Please be aware that if your spouse or significant other uses topical skin care products that contain this chemical skin-to-skin transfer may occur to you.
It may take 2 or 3 weeks of avoiding exposure before improvement of your eruption begins.

Possible Occupational Exposures:

Florists
Farmers
Chefs
Forestry workers