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
Why Sitting Down is Slowly Putting Your Health at Risk
Some facts everyone should know about sitting.
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.
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.
Ridiculously Bad Diet Advice You Should Steer Clear From
Following any diet advice blindly might be harmful to your body. Here, a doctor explains some of the worst diet tips you can follow.
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.
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
WARNING: Don't Keep This Product in Your Car
Hand sanitizers can be found in plenty of vehicles, maybe even in yours, but is it wise to store them there?
Surprising Ways to Use ChapStick You Might Not Know About
Here are some of my favorite uses for this unassuming household product.
7 Important and Surprising Uses for Hand Sanitizer
As hand sanititzer has become a household staple now, here are 7 surprising handy uses of it you should know
Vodka Has Many More Uses Than You Ever Imagined!
Vodka is not just for use when you need a drink. Here are 16 uses for the Russian beverage that you've undoubtedly never thought of.
Guide: How to Keep Street Cats Away Without Harming Them
This comprehensive guide provides you with a thorough plan of action for each strategy, ensuring that you can execute these tactics efficiently and effectively.
Grow These Plants to Banish Mosquitoes For Good!
No one likes mosquitoes, but if you're smart, you can prevent them from bothering you by having these plants in your home.
Who Knew Bananas Could Have SO Many Uses?
Appearantly, bananas can be used in many more ways than we all thought. Check out these 28 cool household hacks and tricks.
The Psychology of Decision Fatigue and How to Avoid It
Follow these tips to start making smart decisions quickly.
Thriving After 50: A Guide to Making Friends in Later Life
Making friends in your 50s can be an uphill task for many. These simple tips will make it easy.
10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mice In Your House!
There are ways to deal with a mice infestation in your home in an efficient and humane way.
Why Buy Candles When You Can Make Your Own at Home?
Why spend money on expensive candles when you can easily make your own? This guide will show you how.
Here’s Why You Should Start Saving Pasta Water
What if we told you that you have been flushing something many chefs call ‘liquid gold’ down the drain all these years?
10 Smart Ways to Treat Your Dry Skin!
Suffer from dry skin? You can find these next natural dry skin treating ingredients right in your home...
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...
The Right Way to Fold a Sweater and Keep it Lasting Longer
This guide will teach you exactly how to fold your sweaters.
Tips For a Happier Life: How Much Free Time Is Optimal?
People love fantasizing about a world with unlimited free time. But is having a lot of free time always the best option for one's well-being and happiness?
These Handy Stand Mixer Tips Made A Massive Difference...
A cooking mixer is an important appliance in any kitchen. If you employ these 9 tips, we guarantee you'll fall in love with your even more.
An Easy Guide to Preventing and Treating Wrinkles
A simple guide to understanding, preventing and treating wrinkles, plus 2 recipes for anti-aging face masks. Take a look!
Be Warned that These Plants May Kill You
If you've got these plants around the house be careful as they are deadly!
How to Make a Delicious Watermelon Smoothie in 2 Minutes
Become the most innovative person at the picnic with this neat trick for perfect watermelon smoothies.
This Tip Collection is Amazingly Helpful!
You’ll be pleased to hear there are old wives' tales that are grounded in fact. This list of 9 true tales will help you get your house spic and span!
More Seniors Should Wear Smartwatches, Here's Why
Smartwatches aren’t just for fitness enthusiasts; it can make for the perfect gift for seniors. Here’s why…
Do You Have Dandruff? Here's How to Get Rid of It!
Do you suffer from dandruff? If so, instead of buying expensive shampoos, try these 8 natural remedies instead!
Did You Know? Your Pillow Might Be Ruining Your Sleep
Your pillow could affecting your sleep. This article will give advice on when to change your pillow, the best sized pillow and tips for buying a new pillow.
Seniors Living Alone Should Always Have These Items
Want to make life easier on your elderly loved one who lives alone? Check this list.
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.
Guide: How We Use Different Acids for Skin Treatments
Understanding how these acids work and their specific benefits will empower you to make informed decisions about your skincare routine.
7 Great Apple Cider Vinegar Uses for Your Dog!
Not many people are aware that you can use apple cider vinegar for their dog. Here's how!
Cola Has Many Surprising Uses Other Than Drinking It
Cola may be a popular drink, but here are 19 other ways you can use it.
Watch This and Become a Knot Expert!
Become a knotting expert with this educational guide. Some of these knots can be life-saving...
This Christmas, Make Some DIY Gifts for Our Loved Ones!
Make your loved ones feel extra special with these DIY Christmas gifts.
Step by Step – Learn 36 Interesting Facts About Walking!
What are the benefits of speed walking and how long would it take to walk around the planet? Learn this and much more now!
Struggling with Sleep? These YouTube Channels Can Help
The next time you struggle with sleep, try these YouTube channels.
26 Handy Tips That'll Fit Any Kitchen
These tips will make you a master of the kitchen, full of little secrets and shortcuts...
8 Crucial Car Tips Everyone Should Know About
Learn 8 great car tips that are useful even after years of sitting behind a steering wheel!
Fake Olive Oil: Here's How You Can Spot It!
If you want to know whether the olive oil you have bought is real or an imposter, here's how you can tell!
Keep Your Bananas Fresh Much Longer With These Hacks
Don't want your bananas to ripen too fast? These tips will help keep them fresh and flavorful for longer.
Smart! This Is How to Peel a Hard Boiled Egg
You can actually peel a boiled egg without even touching it! That's incredible.
13 Things to Do Immediately if Your Home Has Been Burgled
Has your house been broken into recently? This guide will help.
We Bet You're Not Aware of These Real-World Facts
Don't miss this random collection of interesting real-world facts from the world over that you are unlikely to have heard before
Here Is the Secret For Making the Perfect Hamburger
This video is for those of you who are hamburger enthusiasts and want to learn everything there is to know about making a savory burger.