Phytophotodermatitis is a type of contact dermatitis that occurs upon skin exposure to certain plant chemicals, known as furocoumarins, along with simultaneous sun exposure. This case details a 34-year-old patient who presented to the office with an asymptomatic, irregularly shaped, and hyperpigmented patch located on the left inferior middle back that had been present since a recent beach vacation in Mexico. Upon gathering the history, clinicians should inquire about recent sunlight exposure while consuming and/or touching phytotoxic plant derivatives found in most citrus plants. The history should correspond with the skin examination findings and conclude that a cutaneous phytotoxic reaction had occurred when a lime margarita contacted the hand, which was subsequently rubbed onto the patient's back. This case highlights the importance of both taking a thorough history and physical examination and being aware of the broad range of skin manifestations to prevent unnecessary treatment, such as topical corticosteroids, for other skin disorders (the irregular presentation of atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and dermatitis unspecified) or improperly suspected child abuse in younger patient presentations.
Keywords: furocoumarin; photodermatitis; phytophotodermatitis; plant biochemistry; sun exposure.
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