STUDY TO DETERMINE THE PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS SENSITIVITY AND ITS FREQUENCY AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC EXTENSIVE ECZEMATOUS ERUPTION

Eczema is an itchy skin disease of endogenous or exogenous in nature. Allergens are the main cause allergic contact dermatitis including plants that is exogenous in nature. Objective: The aim of the study was to conclude the Parthenium hysterophorus sensitivity and its frequency among patients with chronic extensive eczematous eruption. Study Design: A quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration: In the Dermatology department of Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta for Six months duration from January 2019 to June 2019. Methods: Fifty patients with extensive eczematous rashes were included in this analysis. Tested with patch with freshly crushed Parthenium hysterophorus flower extract. Three patch test readings were performed at 48 hours, 72 hours and 120 hours. Patch test readings were read according to ICDRG criteria. Results: Of the 50 patients enrolled, 40 (88%) were male and 6 (12%) male / female ratio was 7.3: 1. 56.8 years was the patients mean age with SD ± 12.6 years. Fifty-four percent of the patients participated in the patch test showed a positive reaction to fresh P. hysterophorus flower extract with a male / female ratio of 5.7: 1. Conclusion: P. hysterophorus is an important cause of exogenous eczematous eruption in a particular group of patients. Keywords: Parthenium hysterophorus, eczematous rash, patch test