Allergic Skin Disorders

Picture of Phytophotodermatitis Hyperpigmentation

Phytophotodermatitis (plant light dermatitis) is an inflammation of the skin caused by contact with certain plants during recreational or occupational exposure to sunlight. The inflammatory response is a phototoxic reaction to photosensitizing chemicals in several plant families; a common type of PPD is due to exposure to limes. The patient had the oil from the rind of a lime on her fingers, which she then touched to her face while sunbathing (“lime” disease). Not to be confused with "Lyme" disease.