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
Eat These Foods for Pristine White Teeth
From oranges to cauliflower, and even the amount of milk you drink per day, this video will touch on 13 foods to eat for a naturally white smile
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.
14 Methods to Wake Up in the Morning Feeling Great!
14 things you can do to make sure you wake up energized and feeling well each morning.
8 Herbs That Will Help You Cool Down This Summer
Alongside other health benefits, these herbs have natural cooling properties. This makes them the perfect addition to your food and drinks this summer!
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.
Suffering From Swollen hand? Find Out What's Wrong Here
Are you worried about your swollen hands? Here is everything you need to know and everything you can do to beat your affliction.
A Simple, Easy Guide for Writing Your Living Will
It's not something you want to think about, but writing your will is sure to lift a huge burden from your shoulders. Here's a simple guide.
15 Fun and Unique Craft Ideas for Home Decor
These different and creative craft ideas can add a lot of pizzazz and joy to a home. Learn how to make them here!
9 Genius Ideas For Keeping Your Food Fresh For Longer
These great and simple storage tips will help you keep your food fresher for longer, and save you some extra trips to the grocery store!
12 Home Maintenance Mistakes I Wished I Knew Earlier
Care to find out if you’ve fallen prey to some of these home maintenance myths?
Is Perfectionism Running Your Life? Here's What to Do
Are you a perfectionist, and do you feel like it is ruining your life? Here's what to do about it.
Tutorial: Improving Your Soil's Health Made Easy!
This tutorial will take you on a journey to transform the very foundation of your garden - the soil - without touching your wallet.
Did You Know You Shouldn't Store These Foods in the Fridge?
Contrary to popular belief, these 10 foods shouldn't be stored in the refrigerator for a variety of reasons. Read this post to find out more.
8 Running Mistakes Most of Us Make
Just because you think you know how to run doesn’t mean that you’re doing it correctly – or effectively. Here are 8 mistakes people make when running.
Don't Throw Your Old Kitchen Items Away, Do This Instead...
Is it time your old kitchen items get replaced? Why not give them a creative facelift? Here are some terrific DIY home ideas to inspire you.
15 Time-Saving Cooking Tricks to Make Your Life Easier
Try out these various food hacks that are clever and easy and are sure to change the way you eat.
Don’t Throw Away Banana Peels! They Have Some Great Uses
Before you throw throw away the next banana peel into the trash can, read about the great ways it can be used.
10 Popular Beauty Products That Are a Waste of Money
Some beauty and self-care products are just a waste of your money, and all 10 of these popular items are better off in the trash...
11 Things You Should NEVER Dump Into the Kitchen Sink
Even a garbage disposal won’t be able to handle these 11 things, so make sure to toss them directly into the trash instead of the kitchen sink
Mouthwash Can Do So Much More Than Freshen Your Breath
Did you know mouthwash is the number 1 household product you should keep at hand? Discover its fantastic multiple uses to see why.
Darken Graying Hair Using Potato Peels!
Do you spend a lot of time fighting gray hair? The following simple idea will allow you to darken hair graying quickly using something we all have: potato peels!
How to Choose, Cook and Prepare a Perfect Steak!
Most of us want to know how to cook the perfect steak, and now, thanks to these fantastic guides, we can!
Learn How to Grow Your Favorite Fruit and Veggies Indoors
All these plants are delicious, packed full of healthy nutrients and easy-to-grow even if you don’t have a yard or garden
How to Make an Effective Cough Remedy Using an Orange!
Oranges are a great source of vitamin C that helps strengthen the immune system, but did you know there is a way to make it an effective cough medicine?
6 Common Mistakes You're Likely Making When Cracking Eggs
These are the biggest mistakes people make when cracking eggs.
Know the Signs: The Complete Guide to Body Language!
You can learn a lot about a person’s intent by reading his body language, so find out just what that wink meant with this helpful guide.
Maintain Your Credibility By Avoiding the Following Words
There are certain words that many of us tend to use habitually. Unfortunately we use them to our detriment, as they harm our credibility. Find out more.
Why You Shouldn’t Keep a Bar Soap for More Than 2 Years
The following 10 personal hygiene products all expire sooner than you’d think and you must replace them regularly
The Devil Is in the Detail, Even When it Comes to Cleaning...
This guide shows you how to clean every room in your home, as well as specific parts of each one. You won't find a more detailed home cleaning guide than this.
NEVER Pop These 7 Types of Bumps and Blemishes
When it comes to bumps and blemishes, keep your hands off. Keep your complexion fresh and flawless with these handy tips.
Video Tutorial: How to Speak More Clearly
In this video, we will learn how to speak clearly and so we are easily understood.
Which Meat Cuts Offer the Best Return on Investment?
Buying every cut of meat, this video will compare them all and their return on investment.
These 12 Colorful Fish Can Be Easily Kept In Your Home!
Whether you've always wanted to raise fish in your home aquarium or you already have one and you're looking for new varieties to add, this is the article for you!
Who Knew That Aluminum Foil Had So Many Extra Uses?!
How much use do you get out of your aluminum foil roll? Not much? Here are 16 extra uses you have probably never heard of.
Orange Peels: Read Our Full Usage Guide!
I have at least 45 good reasons for you not to throw those orange peels away. They're really helpful and healthy in so many ways!
How to Steer Clear of Germs While Grocery Shopping
Who knew grocery stores would become high-risk environments one day? This article explains how to shop safely during the COVID-19 epidemic
Quick! Grab Some Steel Wool, and Here's What You Do...
We have compiled 11 tips for various household uses, along with a bonus tip you can use on a field trip.
We Bet You Never Knew Rubbing Alcohol Was This Useful!
Most people use rubbing alcohol for cuts or to cool a fever, but it has so many other fantastic uses. Here's 15 of them.
Have You Been Making These Toilet Paper Mistakes Too?
The next time you use toilet paper, avoid these mistakes.
How to Use Your Iron to Get Crisp Shirts, Pants, and Sheets
Your ironing skills make a much bigger difference in the appearance of your clothes than you think!
Say Goodbye to Shrunken Clothes with This Neat Laundry Trick
Recently I accidentally shrunk my favorite pair of pants. I was preparing to bid them farewell until my friend suggested a laundry trick that would revert them back to their former length. I didn’t even know this was possible. See how it's done!
Should You Choose or Avoid Copper Pans?
Copper is a great antibacterial metal. Why then don't we all cook in it? This video will help you decide.
How to Beat Knee Pain While Going Up and Down the Stairs
Knee hurts while climbing stairs? These tips might just help.
These Handy Tools Are On a Whole Other Level!
Watch some of the most brilliant and helpful tools out there.
9 Ways of Telling Branded Perfume From a Fake
Do you know how to tell a branded perfume from a fake? Well, you're going to be able to after you read these 9 handy tips.
How to Clean 'Dry Clean Only' Clothes at Home
Dry cleaning can be a huge hassle, as well as quite the expense, which is why it is so much better to do it yourself at home...
Avoid These Email Clichés and Communicate More Effectively
Watch out for the outdated phrases below and upgrade your email vocabulary with thoughtful and unique sentiments.