Iatrogenic phytophotodermatitis resulting from herbal treatment of an allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract

Phytophotodermatitis commonly occurs in skin exposed to sunlight after contact with plants containing furocoumarins. While it is recognized that the consumption of plants or vegetables containing furocoumarins can potentially trigger a phytophotodermatitis, there have been no reports to date of a phytophotodermatitis triggered by an ingested herbal remedy. We describe the case of a 56-year-old farmer who developed an extensive photo-induced dermatitis after ingesting a herbal decoction prescribed for his chronic hand dermatitis. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.