From the time I was a teenager to only a few years ago, I suffered with terrible skin. Some parts of my face were dry and flaky, while other sections were oily and covered in pimples. I wanted to fix my skin problems once and for all, which is why I made an appointment with a dermatologist a few years ago. After meeting with my skin doctor, he evaluated my skin and helped me to figure out what to do to fix the issue. My dermatologist helped me to overcome years of trouble with my skin, and I want everyone to know about my successes. Check out this website to see how a dermatologist might be able to help you.
Phytophotodermatitis is a distressing skin condition that occurs following contact with light-sensitizing substances in various plants and fruits and subsequent sun exposure. Here are four things you need to know about phytophotodermatitis.
What causes it?
Phytophotodermatitis occurs when skin that has been exposed to light-sensitizing chemicals is later exposed to sunlight. When these chemicals are exposed to sunlight, a reaction occurs, which produces arachidonic acid. This acid damages or kills the cells that are in contact with the chemicals, which results in phytophotodermatitis.
These light-sensitizing chemicals are surprisingly widespread and can be found in a variety of plants and fruits, such as the following:
This condition tends to affect people who are in contact with both plants and the sun, such as tourists visiting tropical beaches, children, farm workers, and gardeners. It can also be an issue for people who like to run or hike in the woods and may brush up against the offending plants. People who are in frequent contact with citrus fruits, like bartenders, also need to worry about this condition.
What are the signs of phytophotodermatitis?
This condition is characterized by the development of red rashes or painful blisters on the affected skin. It differs from a sunburn in that it doesn't affect all of your sun-exposed skin, just the skin that was exposed to chemicals. This can lead to irregular burn patterns. For example, if lime juice dripped down your arm while you were preparing food, you would develop a streaky, drip-pattern rash or blister.
How can you prevent it?
To avoid developing this condition, always wash your hands after you handle plants or fruits that contain light-sensitizing chemicals. Avoid lightening your hair with lemon juice and the sun; if any of the lemon juice gets on your skin, you could have an unpleasant reaction.
When you're outdoors, protect your skin with long sleeves and long pants. If you touch any plants, make sure to wash your hands right away.
How do dermatologists treat it?
Treatment for this condition focuses on alleviating the symptoms. Your dermatologist may recommend things like cool wet dressings, soothing burn lotions, or corticosteroid creams to ease your discomfort. If a large area of skin is affected, corticosteroid pills can be used instead of creams.
If you think you have phytophotodermatitis, see your general dermatologist right away.
Share3 January 2016
