Lichen-derived additives to commercial products are becoming a more frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis. The most common lichen-derived additives are usnic acid and oak moss absolute. Both are useful for screening patients using “natural” or “botanical” products that may contain lichen-derived additives.
EloH, MatikainenJ, PelttariE. Potent activity of the lichen antibiotic (+)-usnic acid against clinical isolates of vancomycin-resistant enterococci and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Naturwissenschaften, 2007; 94:465-8.
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SheuM, SimpsonEL, LawSV, StorrsFJ. Allergic contact dermatitis from a natural deodorant: a report of 4 cases associated with lichen acid mix allergy. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2006; 55:332-7.
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ChitturiS, FarrellGC. Hepatotoxic slimming aids and other herbal hepatotoxins. J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2008; 23:366-73.
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Aalto-KorteK, LauermaA, AlankoK. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from lichens in present-day Finland. Contact Dermatitis, 2005; 52:36-8.