Tulip fingers

Tulip fingers, an allergic contact dermatitis from handling tulip bulbs, is a common occupational problem among workers in the European tulip industry. We describe five of nine workers who sort and package flower bulbs at a central Pennsylvania bulb distribution center; all five had tulip fingers confirmed by positive patch tests to pieces of tulip bulbs and to tuliposide A, the allergen in tulips. The diagnosis of tulip fingers should be considered in any patient with a hand dermatitis who works in the flower industry, especially those who frequently handle bulbs.

Dermatoses among floral shop workers

Concern about the increasing incidence of hand dermatitis in floral shop workers in the United States and its possible association to the plant Alstroemeria, a flower that has become popular since its introduction in 1981, prompted investigation of the prevalence and cause of hand dermatitis in a sample of floral workers. Fifty-seven floral workers were surveyed, and 15 (26%) reported hand dermatitis within the previous 12 months. Sixteen floral workers (eight with dermatitis) volunteered to be patch tested to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group Standard and Perfume Trays, a series of eight pesticides and 20 plant allergens. Of four of seven floral designers and arrangers who reported hand dermatitis, three reacted positively to patch tests to tuliposide A, the allergen in Alstroemeria. Patch test readings for all other plant extracts were negative. A positive reading for a test to one pesticide, difolatan (Captafol), was noted, the relevance of which is unknown.

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid for treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome

The effect of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) on ethanol withdrawal syndrome in alcoholics was investigated in a randomised double-blind study. Patients with withdrawal symptoms were treated either with GHB (orally in a syrup preparation) (11 patients) or with the syrup alone (12). GHB treatment (50 mg/kg) led to a prompt reduction in withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, sweating, nausea, depression, anxiety, and restlessness. The only side-effect was dizziness. GHB may be useful in the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in man.