Geranium

Author: Dr Marius Rademaker, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand,1999.

Synonyms:

Pelargonium graveolans

Categories:

Eczema or dermatitis, Plant, Reaction to external agent

Subcategories:

Geraniol, Allergic contact dermatitis to geranium

ICD-10:

L25.7

ICD-11:

EK00.7

SNOMED CT:

19713002, 55527000, 10628711000119101

Common name:	Geranium.
Botanical name:	Pelargonium graveolens
Family:	Geraniaceae.
Origin:	Originally from South Africa and Australia but now grown worldwide.
Description:	Geranium is a genus of hardy herbaceous plants although it now includes species of Pelargonium. These include sub-shrubs.

Uses:	Source of geranium oil which is used in perfumery and aromatherapy. Found in some leg ulcer medications.
Allergens:	Probably geraniol.
Allergy:	Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported most commonly to geranium oil but also in growers/gardeners (deadheading). Has been reported to cause contact dermatitis from a leg ulcer dressing.
Cross-reactions:	Lemon grass (citronella).
Other information:
Patch test:	Leaf as is, geraniol 10%.

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References

Larsen W, Nakayama H, Fischer T, Elsner P, Frosch P, Burrows D, Jordan W, Shaw S, Wilkinson J, Marks J Jr, Sugawara M, Nethercott M, Nethercott J. Fragrance contact dermatitis: a worldwide multicenter investigation (Part II). Contact Dermatitis. 2001 Jun;44(6):344-6.
Yamamoto A, Morita A, Tsuji T, Suzuki K, Matsunaga K. Contact urticaria from geraniol. Contact Dermatitis. 2002 Jan;46(1):52.
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Frosch PJ, Pilz B, Andersen KE, Burrows D, Camarasa JG, Dooms-Goossens A, Ducombs G, Fuchs T, Hannuksela M, Lachapelle JM, et al. Patch testing with fragrances: results of a multicenter study of the European Environmental and Contact Dermatitis Research Group with 48 frequently used constituents of perfumes. Contact Dermatitis. 1995 Nov;33(5):333-42.
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Calnan CD, Cronin E, Rycroft RJ. Allergy to phenyl salicylate. Contact Dermatitis. 1981 Jul;7(4):208-11.

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