United States: Dermatologists strongly caution against indulging in a refreshing margarita under the sun, especially one made with freshly squeezed limes, as it could potentially harm your skin.
People sensitive to certain fruits and vegetables may even develop a rash known as “margarita rash” if they get sun exposure soon after. Medical professionals call this situation photocontact dermatitis.
What more do the experts say about the condition?
Dr. Brandon Adler, board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, stated, “Sun sensitivity is a common condition that can negatively impact a person’s quality of life,” while speaking about the issue during the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual meeting on Friday.
US News reported that handling produce such as lime, figs, and celery or even coming into contact with plants like hogweed and St. John’s wort can potentially trigger photocontact dermatitis in some individuals.
On the other hand, skin might react to medicines that are either taken orally or applied to the skin, and these drugs are meant to stimulate the skin, Adler explained.
For example, a cream with medicinal properties may only cause a rash in the area in which it was applied, versus a pill taken by mouth, which may lead to a rash throughout the body after a short time in the sun.
Adler said typical photocontact rashes occur in areas most exposed to the sun—the face, neck, arms, or legs.
Reversible reaction possible by anti-inflammatory meds – Experts
Adler mentioned, “While we will often prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to treat photocontact dermatitis, the primary treatment is identifying and avoiding the irritant or allergen.”
Further said, “In many cases, these are reversible reactions, so if the patient stops using the substance causing the reaction, then they will stop having symptoms and won’t need ongoing treatment,” as US News reported.
Does skin tone matter for photocontact dermatitis?
Prior to the discovery, a common assumption was that only those individuals with the light-colored skin surfaces were susceptible to photocontact dermatitis. However, the new research suggests that this is not so, as dark-skinned people may be exposing themselves to this risk.
In contrast, black skin is capable of developing two types of skin photosensitivities. These are polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), which is characterized by small red and itchy bumps that are temporary and often seen after sun exposure, and chronic actinic dermatitis, which is a persistent rash affecting sun-exposed parts of the body due to a photosensitivity problem.
Advises by experts to avoid photoreactive rashes
Adler points out that the same scholars proposed that one uses shades, wear clothes with sunproof materials, and put broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or more to prevent skin cancer the same way as it prevents the photoreactive rashes.
Adler said, “If you notice a rash or blistering on your body after being in the sun, it’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist, who can determine whether you have a sun-related skin disorder.”
Further, ” no two patients are the same. A board-certified dermatologist can determine what is causing your sun sensitivity and provide a treatment option that works best for your condition,” US News reported.