Bindii dermatitis

What is bindii?

Bindii is the Australian name for a prickly annual herb. It is a low-growing plant that is widely established in lawns and flower beds. The name is used to refer to various species, particularly Soliva pterosperma and Soliva sessilis. Other names for bindii are bindi, bindyi, Jo-Jo, bindi-eye and, in New Zealand, Onehunga grass, spiny grass and burrweed.

The bindii herb originated in South America and has since spread to Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, and the southern United States.

Harry Rose, South West Rocks, Australia

What is bindii? dermatitis?

Bindii dermatitis is a form of irritating contact dermatitis resulting from an injury caused by the seed of the Bindii weed.

Who gets bindii dermatitis?

Bindii dermatitis can affect anyone. However, it most often affects children ages 5 to 18, possibly due to their active lifestyles involving outdoor sports.

The risk of dermatitis may increase if there is a family history of bindii dermatitis.

What are the clinical features of bindii dermatitis?

Bindii dermatitis occurs most frequently in late spring and early summer and is less common in winter, when Bindii weeds become dormant.

The spinal column of the Bindii seed penetrates the skin causing a sharp prick. In the next few days, the skin around the spine becomes inflamed and forms discreet Red papules with a central puncture site.

• Papules occur most frequently on the hands, feet, elbows, and knees; they are rare elsewhere in the body.
• Papules can develop scaly or occasionally pustular.
• They can cause itching, tenderness, or stinging.
• They can persist for several months.
• Bindii dermatitis may come back; tolerance does not seem to occur.

The severity of dermatitis depends on:

• The number and species of bindii seeds.
• The thickness of the injured skin.
• If the affected skin is already damaged (eg, By atopic eczema)
• High or low ambient temperature
• High or low humidity.

Some patients may develop an immediate bump reaction when punctured with the bindii herb; This can be resolved without progressing to dermatitis.

How is bindii dermatitis diagnosed?

Bindii dermatitis is a clinical diagnosis made through a complete medical history and examination of the patient. There are no specific tests.

the histology of a skin biopsy of bindii shows dermatitis spongiosis, mixed dermal infiltrateand foreign body giant cells. May have marked edema of the papilla dermis and sinus drainage. Evidence of plant material may also be present.

What is the treatment of bindii dermatitis?

Visible bindii seeds or 'thorns' must be removed manually.

Bindii dermatitis does not always respond to current or systemic Corticosteroids Fortunately, it is self-limiting.

How is bindii dermatitis prevented?

Bindii dermatitis can be prevented by avoiding contact with the Bindii herb.

• Cover your skin during outdoor activities (particularly your hands, feet, elbows, and knees).
• Remove bindii patches from grassy areas, either manually or by applying a suitable herbicide in the spring.
• Discourage reappearance of weeds by aerating the soil (making small holes in the grass surface to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots).