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Beware of Drinking Margaritas in the Sun
The condition, called phytophotodermatitis, happens when a certain plant compound comes in contact with the skin, making that one area light sensitive. If that area is exposed to sunlight, it can make the skin burn. During the summer, lime juice is the common cause for this condition, which is why some doctors call it "margarita dermatitis."
The compound is also found in celery, parsley, and Queen Anne's Lace, and exposure can come from fruit drippings, scratches from branches or airborne particles. Treatment includes cool compresses and hydrocortisone creams, along with oral antihistamines. Severe cases could require steroid pills. |
FeaturesTreatments on the Horizon: Chapter and Verse on a Brain Killer Two Brains are Better than One SpotlightCaring for Community at Home and Abroad Injecting a Little Scientist in Every Doctor Designing a Building in the Eyes of a Researcher Laser Treatments Best Left up to Doctors BriefsFalls in Elderly Indicate Illness Findings may Increase Survival after Injuries Some Like it Hot! Structure of Receptor for Chili Pepper and Pain Revealed Beware of Drinking Margaritas in the Sun Development/AlumniBCM Family Participates in Fundraising Campaign BCM Alums take D.C. Fellowships Seed Funding Leads to Breakthroughs Father, Daughter Team up for Health Care
Steps to Discovery and Innovation
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Volume 4, Issue 2, Summer 2008 |
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| Last modified: October 7, 2008 |
We're all aware if the potential dangers of drinking and driving. But if you like to add a squeeze of lime to your drink, your skin could be in jeopardy just by sipping it in the sun.
"The reaction usually looks like a sunburn, or a poison ivy rash, with redness and sometimes swelling and blistering," said Rajani Katta, M.D., Associate Professor of Dermatology at BCM. "It can be itchy and painful, and leave behind skin discoloration."