Wounds
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Case Reports
Lemons in the Arizona Sunshine: The Effects of Furocoumarins Leading to Phytophotodermatitis and Burn-like Injuries.
Phytophototoxic dermatitis is a strong phototoxic reaction to ultraviolet A (UV-A) radiation exposure after cutaneous contact with citrus fruit containing furocoumarins, leading to skin injury. At the Arizona Burn Center (Phoenix, AZ), the majority of these injuries are managed in the outpatient setting. ⋯ Burn-like lesions caused by furocoumarins after cutaneous absorption and UV-A exposure are known clinical entities in Arizona. The sequential progression from erythema to blisters equivalent to second-degree burn-like lesions to cutaneous hyperpigmentation is a well-described clinical triad. Meticulous wound care and pain control for the treatment of these burn-like lesions are essential as is the need for the wound care specialist to be well versed on this topic to quickly identify the etiology of the injury, thereby avoiding misdiagnosing the patient with nonaccidental traumatic injuries.