Sesquiterpene Lactone Mix I or II

The sesquiterpene lactone mix is a mixture of several chemicals that are found in specific plants. It is used as a screen for allergy to members of the Composite family of plants that include:

• Ambrosia

• Arnica

• Artichoke, globe (cynara)

• Artichoke, wild (olea ria)

• Bay tree

• Bitterweed (helenium)

• Boneset (eupatorium)

• Broomweed (amphiachyris)

• Burdock (arctium)

• Burrobrush (hymenoclea)

• Capeweed (cyptostemma)

• Chamomile, German (matricaria)

• Chamomile, Roman (Anthem is)

• Champaca of perfumery (michelia)

• Chicory (cichorium)

• Chrysanthemum

• Cocklebur (xanthium)

• Cosmos

• Costus of perfumery (saussurea)

• Cottonthistle

• Daisies

• Dandelions

• Endives

• Encelia

• Feverfew

• Feverfew (parthenium)

• Fireweed (gaillardia)

• Fleabane (erigeron)

• Guayule (parthenium)

• Hempweed (mikania)

• Ironweed (veronia)

• Laurel oil (Laurus)

• Leafcup (polymenia)

• Lettuce (Iactuca)

• Liverwort (frullania)

• Marguerite (chrysanthemum)

• Marigold (calendula)

• Marsh elder (iva)

• Oxeye (telekia)

• Pyrethrum (chrysanthemum)

• Ragweed (ambrosia)

• Sagebrush (artemisia)

• Sneezeweed (helenium)

• Sowthistle (sonchus)

• Starthistle (centaurea)

• Stinkwort (inula)

• Sunflower (Helianthus)

• Tansy (tanacetum)

• Tulip-tree (liriodendron)

• Whitewood of commerce (liriodendron)

• Wormwood (artmesia)

• Yarrow (Achillea)

This mix contains: Alantolactone, Costunolide, and Dehydrocostus lactone.

Avoidance of these plants or products containing these plants extracts should result in clearing of the dermatitis. Read product labels and avoid any products that contain any of the above ingredients. Avoidance may be difficult, however, if one’s occupation is outdoors where there is airborne exposure to these chemicals. This applies, also, for florists or food workers who must handle plants containing these allergens. Gardeners, florists, farmers, and cooks are particularly at risk or becoming allergic to these plants.

Skin contact with sesquiterpene lactone mix is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing sesquiterpene lactone mix should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skin care products for this ingredient. If there is no information ask your pharmacist or call the company directly. At work, request a

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.

• Skin care products/Cosmetics

     -Antiperspirants/Deodorants

     -Hair sprays, gels, tonics, and lotions

     -Make-ups

     -Moisturizers

     -Powders/Sprays

     -Shampoos/Conditioners

     -Shaving products

     -Soaps/Cleansers

     -Sunscreens and self-tanners

• Medicated ointments, creams, and lotions