Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in the context of "Cashew"

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⭐ Core Definition: Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis

Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis (also called Toxicodendron dermatitis or Rhus dermatitis) is a type of allergic contact dermatitis caused by the oil urushiol found in various plants, most notably sumac family species of the genus Toxicodendron: poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and the Chinese lacquer tree. The name is derived from the Japanese word for the sap of the Chinese lacquer tree, urushi. Other plants in the sumac family (including mango, pistachio, the Burmese lacquer tree, the India marking nut tree, and the cashew) also contain urushiol, as do unrelated plants such as Ginkgo biloba.

As is the case with all contact dermatitis, urushiol-induced allergic rashes are a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction, also known as delayed-type hypersensitivity. Symptoms include itching, inflammation, oozing, and, in severe cases, a burning sensation. Additionally, smoke from burning plant matter may be toxic.

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Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in the context of Urushiol

Urushiol /ʊˈrʃi.ɒl/ is an oily mixture of organic compounds with allergenic and sensitizing properties found in plants of the family Anacardiaceae, especially Toxicodendron spp. (e.g., poison oak, Chinese lacquer tree, poison ivy, poison sumac), Comocladia spp. (maidenplums), Metopium spp. (poisonwood), and also in parts of the mango tree and the fruit of the cashew tree.

In most individuals, urushiol causes an allergic skin rash on contact, known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis.

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Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in the context of Toxicodendron

Toxicodendron is a genus of flowering plants in the sumac family, Anacardiaceae. It contains trees, shrubs and woody vines, including poison ivy, poison oak, and the lacquer tree. The best-known members of the genus in North America are eastern poison ivy (T. radicans) and western poison oak (T. diversilobum), both ubiquitous throughout much of their respective region.

All members of the genus produce the skin-irritating oil urushiol, which can cause a severe allergic reaction known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis. The resins of certain species native to Japan, China and other Asian countries, such as lacquer tree (T. vernicifluum) and wax tree (T. succedaneum), are used to make lacquer, and, as a byproduct of lacquer manufacture, their berries are used to make japan wax.

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Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in the context of Poison ivy

Poison ivy is a type of allergenic plant in the genus Toxicodendron native to Asia and North America. Formerly considered a single species, Toxicodendron radicans, poison ivies are now generally treated as a complex of three separate species: T. radicans, T. rydbergii, and T. orientale. They are variable in appearance and habit, and despite its common name, it is not a true ivy (i.e., Hedera), but rather a member of the cashew and pistachio family (Anacardiaceae).

Though T. radicans is commonly eaten by many animals and the seeds are consumed by birds, poison ivy is most often thought of as an unwelcome weed. It is well known for causing urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, an itchy, irritating, and sometimes painful rash, in most people who touch them. The rash is caused by urushiol, a clear liquid compound in the plant's sap.

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Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in the context of Toxicodendron radicans

Toxicodendron radicans, commonly known as eastern poison ivy or poison ivy, is a species of allergenic flowering plant. It has numerous subtaxons and forms both vines and shrubs. Despite its common name, it is not a true ivy, but rather a member of the cashew and sumac family, Anacardiaceae. It is different from western poison ivy, Toxicodendron rydbergii, and resembles a number of species.

The species is found in North America. Although commonly eaten by animals, with birds consuming the seeds, T. radicans is considered a noxious weed. As a poison ivy, it causes urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in most people who touch it, producing an itchy, irritating, and sometimes painful rash.

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Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in the context of Toxicodendron rydbergii

Toxicodendron rydbergii, the western poison ivy, is a species of Toxicodendron in the cashew family native to North America. As a poison ivy, it can cause urushiol-induced contact dermatitis.

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Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in the context of Toxicodendron orientale

Toxicodendron orientale (Asian poison ivy) is an East Asian flowering plant in the genus Toxicodendron. It is a poison ivy, which can cause urushiol-induced contact dermatitis.

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