By dissecting the name of the condition, phytophotodermatitis, into its three components, it can be more easily understood.
- phyto, which means plant
- photo, which means sunlight
- Skin inflammation is referred to as dermatitis.
This condition, which is less frequent than other types of contact dermatitis, can be brought on by contact with specific plant chemicals and skin inflammation when exposed to sunlight.
Although phytophotodermatitis symptoms can be alarming, the illness typically gets better on its own with time.
Symptoms of phytophotodermatitis
Depending on where on your skin the plant substance was exposed, you may initially experience blister-like patches of skin that are itchy and irregularly shaped. The most frequently affected areas are the:
- legs
- hands
- arms
The patches can also show up as streaks and drips in addition to round blisters.
After the initial reaction, the blisters stop itching as much, and the redness and inflammation (swelling) also subside. However, a stage known as post-inflammatory pigmentation, which may appear in place of the blisters and last for several weeks or even months, may continue to develop.
causes
Furocoumarins, a type of chemical found on plant surfaces, can be activated by UVA rays through the process of photosynthesis, and if the chemical comes into contact with your skin and becomes activated, a reaction can happen. Contact with this activated substance, even briefly, can cause skin reactions in some people. Phytophotodermatitis only affects the epidermis. The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin.
Phytophotodermatitis can be brought on by certain plants, such as:
- carrots
- celery
- citrus fruits, primarily limes,
- figs
- wild dill
- wild parsley
- wild parsnips
Furocoumarins also cause excess melanin production in skin cells, which results in the subsequent discoloration of the skin, and the effects of the chemical on the epidermis, which result in the initial blistering symptoms.
There is a subtype of phytophotodermatitis known as berloque dermatitis, which is brought on by elements in perfume and manifests as streak marks around the areas where you apply perfume, typically on the wrists and neck.
Though the condition is uncommon, you might consider avoiding this substance if you have sensitive skin. Bergapten, the substance that causes berloque dermatitis, may cause these reactions in high quantities.
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