Phytophotodermatitis: The Other "Lime" Disease.

Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.

The review discusses phytophotodermatitis, a skin reaction caused by certain plants when combined with UV light, detailing how specific compounds like furanocoumarins and psoralens lead to skin damage.
It highlights recent advancements in understanding the skin's response mechanisms and identifies common phototoxic plant families and species, which help in recognizing risks associated with these plants.
The review also covers diagnostic methods like patch testing and preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing, along with treatment options that have emerged from current research findings.

Cureus

April 2024

Internal Medicine Department, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, New York, USA.

A 48-year-old woman with no major health issues developed severe phytophotodermatitis (PPD) affecting over 30% of her skin after a tropical vacation involving exposure to plant and citrus juices during a ritual.
The condition arose because she sunbathed shortly after contact with these juices, leading to extreme pain and a lack of prior knowledge on how to avoid such triggers.
Phytophotodermatitis is often underdiagnosed, resulting in insufficient patient education about the dangers of UV exposure from certain plant and fruit juices, contributing to a greater disease burden.

Cureus

May 2024

Dermatology, Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Ponte Vedra Beach, USA.

Phytophotodermatitis is a skin reaction caused by contact with plant chemicals (furocoumarins) and sunlight exposure, observed in a case study of a 34-year-old patient post-beach trip in Mexico.
The patient's irregular hyperpigmented patch developed after handling lime during a margarita, linking the skin issue to both sun and citrus exposure.
This case emphasizes the need for detailed patient history and examination to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments for skin conditions that may appear similar.