Margarita Photodermatitis

A Florida man recently suffered second-degree burns on his hands as a result of making margaritas. It wasn't the tequila that did it, but rather the combination of lime juice splashing on his hands and Florida sunshine. And this happens to people often enough that the threat posed by margarita-making has been described and named in the medical literature. See "Margarita Photodermatitis" in the New England Journal of Medicine - March 25, 1993:

Phytophotodermatitis elicited by lime juice is caused by the absorption of furocoumarin, a lipid-soluble 8-methoxypsoralen, into keratinocytes and its covalent binding to keratinocyte DNA after exposure to long-wavelength ultraviolet A radiation. This reaction irreversibly damages the DNA and is clinically evident as erythema, burning edema, and vesiculation within 24 hours after exposure. Healing is heralded by desquamation of the necrotic epidermis and ensuing hyperpigmentation.

Phytophotodermatitis involving fruits and vegetables has been described most often as an occupational hazard among citrus workers and celery harvesters, because these foods contain high concentrations of furocoumarins. Isolated cases have also been described after nonoccupational exposure. One of the largest outbreaks was reported among 12 children in a day camp who were making pomanders from limes.

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Posted By: Alex - Tue Jun 09, 2015
Category: Health

Comments

Oh the perils of demon rum are myriad. In fact, they seem to be getting myriader daily.

Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 06/09/15 at 10:36 AM

There's a similar problem with the oils from orange skins, enough so that the orange scents in perfumes (such as bergamot or neroli) have one of the natural components removed to cut down on the chances of sunburn.

Posted by TheCannyScot in Atlanta, GA on 06/09/15 at 12:28 PM

I think the NEJM writer inhaled a spelling bee.

Posted by tadchem on 06/09/15 at 12:45 PM

Wow, I never heard of this. Looks pretty nasty and painful. So, no citrus in the sunshine.

Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 06/10/15 at 07:16 AM

Didn't girls used to use lemon juice & sunshine to bleach their hair?

Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 06/10/15 at 08:34 AM

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