By Brittany Rupp

Phytophotodermatitis Phytophotodermatitis is a skin condition

caused by phototoxic reactions that results in inflammation and burning. Essentially, the skin reacts to sun after making contact with various plants and fruits.

Description…

AffectedSkin LayersThe epidermis is predominantly affected. The stratum corneum layer is visibly affected due to blistering and rash. For up to 7 days later, the stratum basal layer increases the output of melanocytes.

…Description

Do you have these?•Irritation•Itching•Visible rash•Blistering

Symptoms

Turnips, Limes, and Sun… The cause of

phytophotodermatitis is contact with a plant, fruit, or perfume that chemically reacts with sun exposure.

Phytophotodermatitis is most commonly treated at home by use of a damp wash cloth to lessen irritation. Only in severe cases is going to the doctor necessary. They may bandage the area.

Cause & Cure

Turnips

Common Irritants

Cause…

Citrus Fruits

Wild Dill

Wild Parsley

Buttercups

Severe CasesPhytophotodermatitis can cause extremely irritating rashes that in bad cases may include blistering.

Worst Case Scenario

Fact 1

Phytophotodermatitis is commonly misdiagnosed for poison ivy and even child abuse. It isn’t uncommon for the rash to look like a handprint if someone had touched you with, say lime juice, on their hands.

Fact 2

Not ony are people the hike or frequent wooded areas commonly affected, but chefs and bartenders are, too. This is due to their exposure of certain fruits.

Fact 3

The increase of melanocytes from the basal layer after phytophotodermatitis can build up into clusters. These clusters can leave oddly pigmented areas on the skin for months to years!

Prevention

Keep note that if you are exposed to any potentially irritating products or plants to wash your skin before going out in the sun. Also, wear full clothing before going into wooded areas.

Thanks to… "Electronic Textbook of Dermatology--Botanical

Dermatology , Phytophotodermatitis." Electronic Textbook of Dermatology--Botanical Dermatology , Phytophotodermatitis. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2013.

"Medical Edge Newspaper Column." Sun-related Skin Condition Triggered by Chemicals in Certain Plants, Fruits. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2013.

"Phytophotodermatitis ." Phytophotodermatitis. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2013.

Work Cited