Phytophotodermatitis: The other "Lime" disease

Phytophotodermatitis is a skin eruption that occurs after contact with phot osensitizing compounds in plants and exposure to UV light. There are two co mmon presentations of phytophotodermatitis. Acutely, erythema and vesiculat ion similar to a severe sunburn are noted. After resolution of the inflamma tion, the involved skin has marked hyperpigmentation, Many plants have been identified that contain furocoumarins (psoralens), including limes, lemons , and celery. We present a patient with an acute phototoxic eruption and hy perpigmentation after contact with limes during a beach vacation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.