Tulip allergy

Synonym(s)

Dermatitis on tulips; Tulip; tulipa gesnerana; Tulipalin A; Tulip allergens; Tulip dermatitis; Tuliposide A

Definition
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Allergic concomitant dermatitis to components of the tulips. Tulips are ornamental plants from the genus Tulipa in the lily family (Liliaceae).

Occurrence
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Originally native to southwest and south central Asia. First mentioned already in the 12th century in the "Tales of a Thousand and One Nights". Today, more than 3000 different tulip varieties are cultivated in the Netherlands.

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Allergology

Hand eczema atopic: long-term atopic eczema with variable course, the skin on both backs of the h...

Atopic hand dermatitis

Minus variant of atopic eczema in adults. Dyshidrotic skin lesions on the backs of hands and fingers, less ...

Field of application/use
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A medical use of tulips is not known. After ingestion tulip bulbs cause nausea.

Undesirable effects
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The most common tulip allergen is alpha-methylene-y-butyrolactone (Tulipalin A CAS No.: 547-65-9). Tulipalin A (lactone with the molecular formula: C5H6O2) has a wide distribution in the family of Liliaceae and Alstromeriaceae (Alstromeria). Its sensitizing power is high. Frequency of sensitization: Frequent.

Less frequent are sensitizations to tuliposide A (CAS No.:19870-30-5), a substance from the group of glycosides with the molecular formula: C11H18O8.

Clinical picture
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Allergic reactions to tulips are a well-known occupational disease among tulip growers in the Netherlands. The skin changes that occur on the fingertips are called " tulip fingers". In rare cases, contact urticaria has been described with respiratory symptoms. Cross-reactivity to garlic and onions is questionable. Other species containing tulipin A are: alstroemeria, lilies, leeks, crown of emperor and other lily plants.

Literature
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Christensen LP et al (1995) A simple HPLC method for the isolation and quantification of the allergens tuliposide A and tulipalin A in Alstroemeria. Contact dermatitis 32:199 - 203.