What is a ‘margarita burn’ and how long does it last?
Margarita Phytophotodermatitis, also known as margarita burn, is a type of skin reaction that occurs when the skin is exposed to certain fruit or plant chemicals and then exposed to sunlight.
People with margarita burns may develop a rash or skin irritation with other symptoms such as swelling, pain, itching, raised bumps, redness, and blisters.
BBQ for the ex used BBQ while Limbugrad Fell is used to the east, you have much more to offer than substance and drink. Typically, you stay in your home, but only for a day.
Because certain substances and sunlight can cause blisters, blisters and rashes on your skin. or reactive phytophotodermatitis Mahun, but usually the “Margarita burn” Mahhuna clears up.
The good news is that Margaret burns are relatively easy to prevent. Your back pats you and you need it and to ensure your safety, dermatologists impart wisdom.
What is margarita burn?
Margarita burn, or phytophotodermatitis, is a type of skin condition that develops when the skin is exposed to a class of chemicals called furocoumarins and then exposed to UVA rays such as sunlight. Furocoumarins are found in some plants and fruits, especially citrus fruits.1
If lemon juice gets on your skin and you’re in the sun for more than a few hours, you could have a skin reaction or severe sunburn, says board-certified The Art of Skin MD in San Diego. says dermatologist Melanie Palm. , According to MD, ca. CA.
Other symptoms that people may experience include redness, itching, rashes, fluid-filled blisters, raised bumps, swelling, and pain, usually around the hands, arms, and mouth. But these symptoms can appear anywhere on the skin exposed to furocoumarins, Palm said.
The condition is commonly called “margarita burn,” Palm said, because people have been known to experience this inflammatory reaction after squeezing lemons for a margarita while sitting outside or in the sun.
“This is why we typically see flare-ups of the condition during the summer months,” he added.
Pam said, while a margarita burn can’t spread from person to person, you can accidentally burn another person. For example, if a parent drinks citrus juice and touches their children without thoroughly washing their hands, children playing outside in the sun may later experience margarita burns.
Palm said people who have sensitive skin or who have experienced contact dermatitis before are at a higher risk of the condition. Someone with sensitive skin may experience this condition from gardening, handling a product containing this plant compound, or even just walking outdoors.
What Kind of Food Can Burn a Margarita?
Although citrus fruits like limes and oranges are the main culprits for margarita burn, many other foods and plants that contain furocoumarins can also cause this skin reaction, says board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, Dr. According to Jennifer Gordon, MD. , ,
These are the foods that contain furocoumarins
- Carrot
- parsley
- Fennel
- Heart
- Fig
- Lemon
- sweet oranges
- grapefruit
Some weeds, such as hogweed and wild parsnip, also contain furocoumarins and should be handled with care.
How long does a margarita burn?
Margarita’s burn can start as a rash with burning blisters or reddened skin, but it usually develops into hyperpigmentation, or brown spots, in the area after inflammation, Gordon said. However, once someone has a margarita burn, it can take weeks or even months to heal completely.
“Unfortunately it’s hard to know whether you’ve been affected until it’s too late,” he said. “Usually you start to see blotchy areas with red and sometimes blisters. It will calm down over time and change from pink to brown and eventually resolve.
The amount of the chemical and sun exposure can also play a role in how long the skin condition lasts, he said. For example, if you rub lemon juice all over your hand and sit in the sun for a few hours, it may take weeks or months for the burn to go away. On the other hand, if you rub lemon juice on the sides of your mouth and sit in the sun for 30 minutes, your margarita burn may go away in less time.
In terms of immediate reactions like pain, blisters and redness, Gordon said they often go away and heal within a few days.
The good news is that preventing a margarita burn is relatively easy. Here are some things experts recommend doing:
- Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after touching any of the above plants or citrus fruits.
- Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outdoors, such as hiking or gardening.
- When outdoors, avoid touching other people and their skin after handling citrus fruits.
- Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
How do you treat margarita burns?
According to Palm, it’s important to protect the affected area from the sun because excess UVA exposure can worsen the reaction.
“Although most mild cases of phytophotodermatitis clear up on their own with over-the-counter creams, it’s important to see your doctor if you don’t notice any improvement after several days,” Palm said.
If your condition is mild enough to be treated at home, you can use a “cool washcloth and hypochlorous acid spray” to soothe the affected areas, Palm said. In other cases, it may be beneficial to use a topical steroid to relieve blistering and swelling for the first day or two.
Gordon said you might also consider using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, topical cortisone, or other burn-relief creams to relieve any signs of pain, itching, redness, or irritation. Can can do
If blisters persist or your condition does not improve after several days, it is important to be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist to receive stronger topical medications or creams to aid in the response, especially since the condition Can often be mistaken for poison ivy, sunburn. , , or hives, said Gordon.
“If you’re not sure what’s causing your rash, definitely see your dermatologist! If the blister is painful or it doesn’t heal in a few weeks, make sure that’s what you have,” Gordon said. “There are a lot of mysterious rashes out there and that’s what we’re here for!”