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Phytophotodermatitis

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Dermatological Manual of Outdoor Hazards

Abstract

Phytophotodermatitis describes the phenomenon of human skin eruptions produced by photosensitizing plants and their extracts upon exposure to sunlight. The Greek origin of the word phyto means plant, photo means light, and dermatitis denotes inflammation of the skin. The various plants implicated are diverse and commonly include the Apiaceae, Rutaceae, Moraceae, and other plant families with active photosensitizing ingredients, mainly furocoumarins. When the furocoumarins are exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) light, skin reactions of erythema, edema, and bullae with subsequent hyperpigmentation can develop. Phytophotodermatitis may be a difficult clinical diagnosis if proper history is not obtained. Treatment based on presentation may include debridement, dressing changes, analgesics, and steroids. Importance must be placed on avoidance of further plant toxin and UVA exposure.

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Abbreviations

PUVA:

Psoralen and Ultraviolet A Radiation

ROS:

Reactive Oxygen Species

UVA:

Ultraviolet A Radiation

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Declaration of Interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical City Weatherford, Weatherford, TX, 76086, USA

    Daniel A. Nguyen

  2. Baylor College of Medicine Department of Dermatology, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Muneeza K. Muhammad & Grace L. Lee

  3. Texas Children’s Hospital Pediatric Dermatology, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Grace L. Lee

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  1. Daniel A. Nguyen
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Correspondence to Grace L. Lee .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA

    Julian Trevino

  2. Central Connecticut Dermatology, Cromwell, CT, USA

    Amy Y-Y Chen

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Nguyen, D.A., Muhammad, M.K., Lee, G.L. (2020). Phytophotodermatitis. In: Trevino, J., Chen, AY. (eds) Dermatological Manual of Outdoor Hazards. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37782-3_4

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