Most people don’t know that combining lime juice and sun rays is a lethal combination. The resulting chemical reaction is called Phytophotodermatitis. This phenomenon occurs when your skin has any lime juice on it, making it hypersensitive to ultraviolet ray exposure. The result is a painful chemical burn. Warning: The photos below are somewhat graphic. |
Recipe for disaster: This woman made margarita cocktails and did not rinse enough of the lime juice off. The result was a painful burn.
Non-discriminating: This chemical reaction can happen to any skin color or type. The lime makes your skin reactive to ultraviolet light, typically UV-A radiation, which can penetrate glass. If you’re at the beach you should have lathered on sunscreen anyways but if you’re indoors you might not be aware of UV-A rays. Symptoms: Many people assume its poison ivy or a bad sunburn. Symptoms include burning, itching, stinging, and large blisters can slowly accumulate. Symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of exposure and peak 48-72 hours after being exposed.
Inflammation: First you will experience the inflammatory stage, lasting from one to five days. This can be prolonged if you develop blisters and have a severe reaction. Hyperpigamentation: Following inflammation is hyperpigamentation, lasting from weeks to months. The burning and painful symptoms subside, but the skin color may change. If you’re exposed: If you only have a mild reaction, such as redness, burning or swelling, apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream three times a day. If your reaction is more severe, characterized by deep red pigment, large swelling, skin erosion and a lot of blistering, visit your doctor, who can prescribe a stronger cream. Treatments: Dermatologists can prescribe oral treatments, but there are also topical applications. Some doctors might prescribe bleaching creams to treat the hyperpigmentation. Other triggers: Lime juice is not the only plant based liquid that can cause phytophotodermatitis. Photosensitizing compounds in parsnips, citrus fruits, carrots, celery, and figs can also induce the same chemical reaction. Other names: Phytophotodermatitis is also called Margarita Photodermatisis and Lime Disease (not to be confused with Lyme Disease). |
Hikers beware: Be careful if you go hiking because some wild dill and wildflowers also have photosensitizing oil or dander. New habit: If you do come into contact with citrus juice or wild plants, rinse off the juice or dander carefully. Make a habit of thoroughly scrubbing after handling any citrus fruits. The best way to prevent this burn is by being aware that it exists and sharing this information with others. |
H/T: buzzfeed.com
How to Support a Healthy Range of Motion: 3 Easy Exercises
Is sitting down and reaching up getting harder? Your range of motion may be declining. Here is how you can improve it and why doing so is essential.
Feeling Drained? Your Body May Be Loaded with Toxins...
Feeling drained? You may have too many toxins in your body. Here's what you need to know.
Walking Backward is Beneficial For Both the Body & Mind!
Incorporating backward-walking into your fitness routine can be highly beneficial for both your body and mind. Here's why you should give it a try.
This Sleeping Position is the WORST - Health Experts Claim
If you're used to sleeping on your stomach, it may be time to switch. Health experts claim this position is the worst one for your health.
Recovering From Covid-19? Try These 7 Easy Exercises
Exercise can help you recover from Covid-19 quicker, but being smart about it is crucial. Here are a few easy and safe exercises anyone can do at home.
You Don’t Always Need to Hit the Gym to Lose Belly Fat!
Want to get rid of your belly fat but can't hit the gym? These effective tips might just do the trick.
11 Natural Ingredients That'll Help You Get Rid of Odor
Suffer from unpleasant odors? Here's what to do about it.
7 Tips to Ensure You Never Buy a Bad Watermelon Again!
Watermelons are delicious, but before you buy one heed these 7 traits that indicate that the watermelon that you’re about to buy is bad.
18 Reasons Why You Should Always Keep Epsom Salt at Home
People often add Epsom salt to their baths. However, it has many other uses and health benefits - here are 18 of them!
Discover How to Use Turmeric to Remove Unwanted Hair
Turmeric is a wonderful spice from India that has a whole myriad of different applications. Here's how to make 5 turmeric-based masks for unwanted hair removal.
Stop Making These Common Storage Mistakes
Find out how to store a whole range of common things including different kinds of food, clothing and much more...
Enrich Your Knowledge with These Amazingly Useful Charts
Save these useful charts today! We guarantee they will come in handy…
This is One Useful Oil You Always Want to Keep Around
This article will share six different and particularly effective uses for sesame oil, which make it clear why every home should have this essential ingredient.
Give Your Feet a Treat With This Great Homemade Foot Soak
This simple, homemade foot soak uses only two ingredients to ensure your feet look and feel great!
Have You Been Using Antiperspirant All Wrong?
Do you apply antiperspirant correctly? Here's an article that will teach you everything about proper antiperspirant application
Transform Your Room with These DIY Painting Tips
Painting your own room may seem like a daunting task. But here are some useful tips that will make the job easier.
Learn to Replace a Bathroom Faucet: Step by Step Tutorial
after watching this step by step video tutorial, you’ll know how to replace a bathroom faucet like a real pro...
Spruce Up Your Garden With These Brilliant DIY Ideas
This brilliant video contains 16 different DIY ideas that are perfect for any garden. What's more, they couldn't be any simpler to make!
Keep the Bedroom Cool in the Summer Heat with These Tips!
Getting a good night's sleep during the hottest summer months doesn't have to be a challenge. With these clever easy tricks, you'll sleep like a baby!
Who Thought Such a Simple Technique Could Be So Potent?
This amazing finger technique will help you to revitalize and nourish your body if you're feeling drained.
If You Have a Mouse Problem, This is How to Get Rid of It
If you have a mouse in your house there are many great (and humane) ways to get rid of it. Here are 6 of them.
How to Clean and Organize a Leather or Fabric Wallet
Your wallet has more germs than a toilet, but most rarely clean theirs. This guide will walk you through deep cleaning and organizing your wallet.
Health after 60 Advice: 7 Things to NOT Wear On Your Walks
If you’re in your 60s, then make sure you don’t make these wardrobe mistakes on your walks.
How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Your Favorite Material
A chocolate stain can be one of the trickiest stains to remove as it’s known as a combination stain. Thankfully, these tips will help!
Clean Your Washing Machine With This Easy DIY Cleaner
This natural DIY formula will keep your washing machine safe and clean.
6 Popular Grocery Items You Should Definitely Stop Buying
Many companies have become masters at selling us stuff we don't need. Here are some of the worst offenders.
These Pots and Pans Storage Solutions Are an Absolute Must
If you have a small kitchen or if your cabinet space is limited, then you need to read this.
GUIDE: Learn 3 Proven Problem-Solving Methods
Your ability to solve problems, or lack thereof, has a great bearing on whether you can be happy and successful. Try these 3 problem-solving methods.
Bring Stale Bread Back to Life with This Genius Trick
If you ever have a crusty loaf that has gone stale, follow these tips and it will be as good as new in next to no time.
17 Bad Housekeeping Habits You’re Likely Unaware Of
These 17 housekeeping habits are some of the most undesirable out there.
The Ultimate Guide to Using and Creating Sherry Vinegar
Not only is sherry vinegar delicious, but it also has many health benefits too. Find out more here.
14 Little Known Ways to Save on Gas While Driving!
If you take heed of these 14 easy pieces of advice, you will end up saving hundreds of dollars each year on gas.
Hey! Did You Know Soap Has So Many Extra Uses?
Soap is much more than something useful for cleaning your hands and face. Here are 21 stunning uses for a bar of soap that I never even knew.
DIY: Make Your Own Face Mask in a Few Easy Steps
To get around the shortage, you can make your own DIY surgical face mask. It can be easily done even if you're can't or don't want to sew.
This Christmas, Make Some DIY Gifts for Our Loved Ones!
Make your loved ones feel extra special with these DIY Christmas gifts.
Do You Wear Glasses? You Must Read Through This Guide
Do you wear glasses? This guide will teach you how to keep them in good condition.
Easy Tutorial: How to Fix a Running Toilet
In this tutorial, you'll learn, in the most straight-forward and practical way, how to fix a running toilet.
WATCH: 10 Microwave Tips You've Never Heard Of
These 10 tips will help you get the very best out of your microwave - replenish old food, keep it clean and simply master it!
12 Myths We've Been Told About Intercourse that Aren't True
It's time to expose some of the myths we've all been told but are actually boldfaced lies.
11 Great Ways to Use Plastic Hooks Around the House
11 ways to use plastic hooks to find creative solutions to household problems.
15 Awesome Tips Just For Women!
At home, at work or in the middle of the street, there are situations that only women can understand. The following 15 tips are for women only!
Got Dark Knees and Elbows? 8 Remedies That'll Help
Put an end to dark knees and elbows with these 8 natural remedies.
10 Great Money Tips from the World's Most Successful People
People rarely find success by accident. So why don’t you set yourself up for financial success by listening to the following pieces of advice.
How To Keep Your Bread Fresher For That Much Longer...
if you're wondering how to make your bread last longer, read the following article and learn about 5 different methods of doing just that!
5 Things to Start Doing Every Day If Things Feel Stressed
Here are 5 priceless key tips that can make your life more productive and less stressful!
8 Ways Your Home is Sneakily Draining Your Bank Account
Since your house cannot talk to you, here are some tips that will reveal the hidden ways in which your house could be costing you more money than it should.
Try this Ancient Indian Method for Removing Body Hair
An ancient and natural method that both men and women have been using for centuries to get rid of unnecessary hair from their bodies.