Phytophotodermatitis

By: Morgan Trekell

Description Eruption of the skin usually begins 24

hours after exposure and peaks between 48-72 hours

A burning sensation will start on the skin, followed by a red rash and sometimes blisters.

The most commonly affected areas are the backs of hands, forearms, necks, and lips

Scientific Description After the skin has come in contact with

photosensitizing compounds, erythema and vesiculation occur on the cutaneous, which are very similar to a sun burn. The involved skin then has marked hyperpigmentation after a phototoxic inflamation eruption

Other signs Dark blotches will appear on the

affected areas of the skin. The format of the spots depends on the skin exposure to substances

Hyperpigmentation of the skin replaces the rash

Cause It is a skin condition that occurs because

of sensitivity to chemicals in certain plants and fruits, and then exposure to UV light

The reaction occurs because of the photosensitizing substance called furocoumarins, which are found in hemlock and fig trees

Cure Wash the skin to remove any remaining

plant oils and avoiding the sun during the acute phase of the rash

Apply ice packs to relieve severe burns and use over-the-counter creams such as Solarcaine

Wash the affected area daily with soap and water. Pat dry with a towel and rub hydrocortisone cream on to reduce the inflammation

Worst Case Scenario Increased pain Increased redness, swelling, or pus

coming from the wound Fever of 100.4˚F (38˚C) or higher

Three Facts Phytophotodermatitis can occur on

anyone and dates back to 1000-1500 BC.

In 1916, phytophotodermatitis was found as a result of bergmont oil in perfume and exposure to the sun

Most cases reported are from the contact with fruit juice and then sun exposure

Works cited http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2011/aug

-12a.html http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S073646799

8001590 http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://

anagen.ucdavis.edu/1412/case_presentations/phytophotodermatitis/1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://anagen.ucdavis.edu/1412/case_presentations/phytophotodermatitis/polat.html&h=845&w=1126&sz=535&tbnid=fowv_CFA9PaFxM:&tbnh=101&tbnw=135&zoom=1&usg=__pNUijEVaZO2iT1e0KQlVz1-zoy4=&docid=2Gpwy9SRtLvJiM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=PlhTUsePJ4rKqQGjpYDAAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CEQQ9QEwBQ

http://www.cosderm.com/fileadmin/qhi_archive/ArticlePDF/CD/021020099.pdf