Age differences in poison ivy dermatitis

Abstract

In both man and animals, cell-mediated immunity diminishes with advanced age. Because poison ivy is a very common allergy, age-associated differences in the contact allergic reaction to Rhus was evaluated. Oleoresin patch tests were applied to 2 age cohorts (18-25 vs. 65-84) each of 14 healthy white subjects. In the elderly, the allergic reaction developed more slowly, the inflammatory response at peak was greatly diminished and the dermatitis lasted longer and seemed to be more pruritic.