Phytophotodermatitis: Skin Rash With a Twist

Phytophotodermatitis: Skin Rash With a Twist Posted By:
...

Phytophotodermatitis, also known as the "margarita rash," is a commonly seen condition in the spring and summer months or any time a patient has had exposure to bright, sunny days. It always surprises the patient when you take their history and ask if they have been in the sun while drinking or eating anything with limes, lemons, or other fruits. Most of the time they will report a recent beach trip or day spent by the pool, where they were able to partake in refreshing margaritas or beer with a lime twist!

Phytophotodermatitis is a cutaneous, phototoxic, inflammatory eruption resulting from contact with light-sensitizing botanical substances, also known as furanocoumarins, and long-wave ultraviolet A (UV-A; 320-380 nm) radiation. This phototoxic eruption is entirely independent of the immune system, so it can occur in any individual, and prior sensitization is not required. The most common plants that are reported to cause this reaction are lemons, limes, oranges, parsley, parsnips, carrots, celery, figs, and a few others.

After exposure, pruritus, erythema, and/or blisters occur within 24 hours and resolve around the 72-hour mark, leaving hyperpigmented patches. Bizarre inflammatory patterns and linear streaks of hyperpigmentation are key clues to diagnosing phytophotodermatitis. Treatment consists of topical steroids twice a day for up to 2 weeks and sun protection. The pigmentation will fade; however, it is important to set expectations that its resolution may take months.

References

Share

Filed under: Dermatology

Related
Improving Atopic Dermatitis Care

Improving Atopic Dermatitis Care

Facilitating Improvements in Transitions of Care in AD ManagementAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic ...

Filed under: Dermatology, NPs & PAs, Allergy/Immunology


Continue Reading
Trigger Avoidance as a Basic Element in Atopic Dermatitis Management

Trigger Avoidance as a Basic Element in Atopic Der ...

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting millions of pediatric patients ...

Filed under: Dermatology, NPs & PAs, Allergy/Immunology


Continue Reading
JAK Inhibitors for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis

JAK Inhibitors for the Management of Atopic Dermat ...

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease estimated to affect up to ...

Filed under: Allergy/Immunology, Dermatology


Continue Reading
Sunscreen in Skin of Color

Sunscreen in Skin of Color

We are well aware that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage the DNA in our skin cells, ...

Filed under: Dermatology, Public Health


Continue Reading
Alternative Medicine Treatment for Skin Conditions

Alternative Medicine Treatment for Skin Conditions

Patients often seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for skin conditions, inc ...

Filed under: Dermatology, Health Policy and Trends


Continue Reading
A New Treatment For Acne Vulgaris

A New Treatment For Acne Vulgaris

When treating acne vulgaris in the clinical setting, the focus is placed on the 4 key aspects involv ...

Filed under: Dermatology


Continue Reading