Phytophotodermatitis

Background

  • The result of chemicals in certain foods reacting with sunlight to cause an aggrevated "sun-burn" like rash

Common Causative Agents[1]

  • Celery
  • Parsnip
  • Fennel
  • Lime
  • Carrot
  • Mustard
  • Parley
  • Dill
  • Grapefruit
  • Lemon
  • Fig
  • St. John's wort

Clinical Features[2]

Phytophotodermatitis caused by lime
Classic phytophotodermatitis
Severe phytophotodermatitis
  • Bizarre, linear streaking rash that can be painful or burning
  • Bullae and vesicles
  • Often in a "dripping" pattern or with hand-prints
  • Acute phase 3-5 days, may then progress to hyperpigmentation for months

Differential Diagnosis

Vesiculobullous rashes

Febrile

Afebrile

Evaluation

  • Clinical diagnosis

Management

Disposition

  • Outpatient

See Also

External Links

References

  1. Raam et al. "Phytophotodermatitis: The other lime disease." Annals of EM. April 2016. 67(4):554-556
  2. Raam et al. "Phytophotodermatitis: The other lime disease." Annals of EM. April 2016. 67(4):554-556
  3. Raam et al. "Phytophotodermatitis: The other lime disease." Annals of EM. April 2016. 67(4):554-556