$Unique_ID{BRK00591}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Does "Perfume Dermatitis" Mean Deep Trouble?}
$Subject{dermatitis rash sunlight Skin lifestyle lifestyles
phytophotodermatitis hyperpigmentation furocoumarin ultraviolet Creams
ointments corticosteroids}
$Volume{L-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Does "Perfume Dermatitis" Mean Deep Trouble?


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QUESTION:  I suddenly broke out with a rash that caused burning pain and
blistered.  I am not an allergic person, and had not been near anything
unusual, but my doctor provided me with a diagnosis of "perfume dermatitis".
Now the area where the rash appeared is blotchy and darker than the
surrounding skin.  Does any of this sound reasonable to you or am I in deep
trouble?

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ANSWER:  No, you are not "in deep trouble," although the darker pigmented or
colored area may remain the way it is now for quite some time.  Actually you
were lucky to have the acute burning rash first, since this condition (it is
called a "phytophotodermatitis" in medical parlance) often skips the acute
phase, producing only the coloration (hyperpigmentation) and making the
diagnosis a very difficult one to make.  The condition develops when the skin
has been in contact with a class of chemical compounds (furocoumarins) that
sensitizes it to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.  These compounds are
contained in many fruits and vegetables, including limes, lemons, citrus and
parsley.  Since some perfumes contain oil of bergamot, which is produced from
the rind of the bergamot orange, and since this oil contains a furocoumadin,
the first step in the process occurred when you put on your good smelling
stuff.  The second step happened when you walked out into the rays of the sun.
Usually the rash develops about 48 hours after this exposure, and can be quite
painful.  Creams and ointments containing corticosteroids are quite effective
for controlling the acute phase, but should not be used now to treat the
pigmentation of the skin.  Incidentally, the condition is also known as "the
Club Med Rash" as it appears frequently after a game that requires one partner
to roll a lime up and down the skin of the other partner, just using the chin
to manipulate the lime.  Oh to be young (and foolish) again!

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.