Phytophotodermatitis
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Phytophotodermatitis is a chemical reaction which makes skin hypersensitive to ultraviolet light. It is frequently mistaken for hereditary conditions such as atopic dermatitis or chemical burns, but it is caused by contact with the photosensitizing compounds found naturally in some plants.^[1]

Symptoms

The symptoms are equivalent to photodermatitis, but vary in degree. symptoms may include an itchy red rash, that may blister, and appear within minutes to the reaction.

Causes

• Umbelliferae^[2]
  • Wild parsnip^[3]
  • Giant hogweed^[4]
  • Wild carrot^[5]
• Rutaceae
  • Lime^[6][7]
• Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which can infect celery^[8]

Treatment

Phytophotodermatitis takes ten minutes to set in after exposure to a photosensitizing plant. If the exposed person gets indoors within ten minutes, damage to the skin can be prevented because artificial light does not cause blistering. The photosensitivity can persist for 6–8 hours. Avoiding scratching the affected area, and apply Aloe Vera liberally to soothe the area. If sypmtoms persist for more then 2 days consult a doctor and ask for a perscription cream. Taking benadryll allergy will also help remove the rash.

References

1. ^ Arch Fam Med - Phytophotodermatitis: A Sometimes Difficult Diagnosis, November 2000, Solis et al. 9 (10): 1195
2. ^ Photocontact dermatitis. DermNet NZ
3. ^ http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1343418
4. ^ Maintenance on GPnotebook site
5. ^ eMedicine - Phytophotodermatitis : Article by William P Baugh
6. ^ Phytophotodermatitis: the other "lime" disease. [J Emerg Med. 1999 Mar-Apr] - PubMed Result
7. ^ Phytophotodermatitis - Consultant Live
8. ^ Phytophotodermatitis among Grocery Workers - Ohio