Patch testing in actinic prurigo

42 out of 93 Saskatchewan Indians (32 female (F) and 10 male (M)) with actinic prurigo were patch tested to standard series allergens between 1983 and 1987. Positive, reactions were most frequently seen with nickel (3F:2M) and colophony. All 3 positive patch tests to colophony were in males. The same patients were also patch tested to extracts of 21 Saskatchewan plants and 3 Hollister‐Stier plant extracts. Only 1 male and 2 females had positive patch tests. None of these 3 had rashes on the eyelids, behind the ears or under the chin. We conclude that plant contact dermatitis is unlikely to be mistaken for actinic prurigo in Saskatchewan.