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What is Phytophotodermatitis?
Phytophotodermatitis is a rash that occurs due to sensitivity to chemicals in certain plants.
The rash occurs when skin that has been touched by certain fruits or vegetables is exposed to sun.
The rash can be confused for many other skin conditions including eczema, bruising, sunburns, poison ivy, or poison oak.
The thing that makes this rash different from many other rashes is that it only occurs on parts of the skin that have both been touched by the plant, fruit, vegetable, or its juice and then exposed to the sun.
Image from DermNet
Plants that cause phytophotodermatitis:
Citrus fruits, especially limes
Wild parsley
Wild parsnips
Wild dill
Several species of wildflowers
Is Treatment Needed?
Phytophotodermatitis will go away on its own but may take several weeks.
Use sunscreen on the exposed areas whenever your child is out in the sun if the skin is not covered by clothing.
📚 References
This content was adapted from Chadwick Center for Children & Families | Rady Children's Health, DermNet , https://www.jaci-inpractice.org/article/S2213-2198(24)00212-5/fulltext , and https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/Common-Summertime-Skin-Rashes-in-Children.aspx/1000 . Images from DermNet .
Reviewed by JW MD, Patient Education Committee.