Phytophotodermatitis: an occupational and recreational skin disease

Abstract

Case 1A 45 year old woman presented with erythema and large fluidfilled blisters on both legs. She was a rural worker and four days before had been harvesting rue (Ruta graveolens) with continuous exposure to sunlight. The lesions had the typical linear arrangement (Figure 1). She was treated with antihistamines, topical and oral corticosteroids. Residual hyperpigmentation was seen two weeks later. Case 2A 56 year old woman, rural worker, was referred for evaluation of erythematous plaques, edema, vesicles and blisters on her left hand, forearm and arm (Figure 2). It was not possible to determine the responsible sensitizer plant, as the patient had come in contact with numerous plants. The same kind of treatment as in the previous case was instituted with severe hyperpigmented patches. Case 3A 49 year old male, recreational fisher was admitted with dusky erythematous plaques and bullae in a linear pattern on his forearms. Three days before he had been fishing near a mossy wall. It was not possible to determine the exact offending plant. He was treated in the same way as above and ten days later the lesions had completely healed without scarring.