You’re excited … you’re on vacation, and it’s optimal sun tanning time, you lay your towel down on the sand, and flip up the dog-tagged page you are reading in ‘50 Shades of Grey’ and the cutest waiter comes over and asks if you would like a drink … you pause for a moment and say .. “Why yes, I will have a refreshing lemon drop martini.”
Because you winked at the cutie as he took your drink order, that martini glass is topped off – you’re thrilled – that 1 drink you say was well worth the money. As you take that first sip of your refreshing adult beverage a small amount spills on your hands and legs. Thinking nothing of it, you rub that sweet nectar into your golden tanned skin …. Here’s comes the part where I’m screaming in slow motion ..
“Nooooooooooo” ….. You want to know why? … Phytophotodermatitis is why! Huh?
Huh, is right not only do you probably not know how to pronounce this word you probably have no idea what it is … well here’s the deal:
When that lime or lemon juice comes into contact with your skin and your skin is exposed to the sun it can lead to a dark streaky rash on your skin that may last for MONTHS!! Yes, months!!!
The culprits responsible for the darkened skin rash are called psoralens. Psoralens are found in plant juices; when they come into contact with the skin and then excessive sun exposure they cause a phototoxic rash AKA enhanced sunburn.
Other plants that can cause this dark pigmented rash include:
Lemons, limes, bergamot, celery, carrots, parsley, fennel, dill, parsley, fig, buttercup and mustard.
Phytophotodermatitis looks like a chemical burn or a rash on the skin. And for those of us who enjoy sun-splashed beach vacations spilling any food on drink that has lemon or lime in it can lead to streaked marks down the affected body part. Not to mention if you are preparing or eating a tasty treat that has plant juices with psoralens your hands or mouth can be affected too. The rash usually appears 36-72 hours after exposure to the sun and the offending plant juice. The rash ranges in size and can be small reddish bumps to large blisters that look like second degree burns. In severe cases there can even be nausea, vomiting, and fever associated with the rash. Usually the initial rash lasts for 1-2 weeks. As it begins to heal it leaves darkened brownish grey-pigmented marks called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation that can last for months.
Before you freak out there is treatment! Avoid further sun exposure and definitely use sunscreen to decrease the chances the marks will darken further if you must be outside. Most importantly schedule an appointment to see a dermatologist. And from now perhaps order a vodka and tonic while sunbathing.
