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 Reduce Blood Triglycerides? 8 Expert Backed Tips
High levels of blood triglycerides raise the risk of heart disease. These simple lifestyle changes could help you manage your triglyceride levels much better.
MPORTANT: 7 Stomach Germs You Need to Avoid and How!
Guide: Understand what these common germs do and how to avoid them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
9 Ultimate Methods for Stain Removal around the House
Things we;ve had for a long time tend to lose their fresh-out-the-box look but this can be remedied! These methods will help you remove those stubborn stains!
Clever Ways to Hide Your Money and Credit Cards
Don't let the burglars get your hard earned cash! Learn how to hide it like a pro.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Coffee...
Is coffee healthy? Is it addictive? Is there any way to reuse coffee grounds? Find the answer these question in this coffee themed collection
Stay Clear of These 9 RISKY Google Searches
You can search anything on Google, but it’s advisable not to do so for these risky things.
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.
10 Essential Tips to Revamp Your Home on a Budget
Looking to renovate your home? Here's how to do so on a budget.
Say Goodbye to Neck and Back Pain with These Super Tips
These top tips from chiropractors will enable you to put back and neck pain firmly in the rearview mirror.
Make Your Home Look Expensive With These Low-Cost Tips
Transform the look of your home with these low-cost tips and tricks.
7 Mistakes You Should Avoid When Maintaining Your Car
Seven mistakes we make with the car that cost us money.
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!
Why You Need to Avoid Palm Oil Right Away
Palm oil is harmful to the environment. Here's what to do about it.
6 Home Ingredients You Can Use to Clean Your Carpet
Got a carpet stain? Forget the dry-cleaners, try one of these methods instead.
Easily Create These 8 Natural Sprays
Eight wonderful recipes to make eight natural sprays that can make your life easier and healthier.
Solve Common Issues With Your Clothes Using These 20 Tips
Keep your clothes in perfect condition with these nifty tricks!
The Best Time of Day to Eat Healthy Foods!
In this article we have outlined the best time of the day to indulge in some of your favorite foodstuffs.
Do You Know When to Go to Bed? Just Follow Our Tips
A great way to boost your health is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Here are 10 bedtime rituals that are sure to get you in the mood to sleep.
Tip: It Is Possible to Peel an Orange in a Few Seconds
Peel oranges in just a few seconds and in the most effective method possible.
7 Japanese Secrets to Staying Slim and Healthy!
The Japanese have their own ways of maintaining their weight.
Cleaning Guide: The Correct Way to do Daily Chores
We could all do with a couple of life-savers every now and then. Check these out!
11 Reasons Why Garlic Is a Gardener's Best Friend
Not only is garlic extremely tasty, but it is also very effective in the garden. Check out its uses here.
These Common Habits Make Our Anxiety Worse
Experts believe that certain attitudes and habits are amplifying your stress levels.
You Can Do a Lot More With Milk Than Just Drinking It...
Milk is a basic ingredient in any household, but it's a waste to use it just for drinking, when you can put it into many more uses that will make your life easier while also saving you money!
Get Rid of Excessive Ear Wax with These Easy Home Remedies
Earwax is important for protecting our ear canals, however if our body produces too much of it, it can become a problem. Here are some home remedies.
This 10-Minute Read Will Make You a Bourbon Expert
Are you unsure of the difference between whiskey, bourbon, and scotch? We are here to clarify.
The Easiest Way to Clean and Freshen Your Mattress
There are thousands of small reasons to clean your mattress, and one simple way to do so!
7 Cleaning Mistakes Most of Us Still Make
All of these 7 cleaning mistakes are extremely common, and what’s worse, all of them can completely ruin your hard work while cleaning
Ten Things You Can Do With Sugar You Never Knew About
Sugar can do a whole lot more than just make things sweet.
Manage Stress in Your 50s with These Meditation Techniques
Manage stress in your 50s with these meditation styles.
10 Signs You Have a High Level of Intelligence
If you find yourself relating to these characteristics, it is possible that you possess an exceptional level of intelligence...
Keep Your House Smelling Amazing with These DIY Tips
These are some of the best and cheapest things you can do to make any part of your home smell nice and welcoming.
This Is Why You Should Never Throw Out Silica Gel Packets
Have you ever thrown away these bags of silica gel? Of course you have. But here are some reasons why you SHOULD keep hold of them...
14 Creative Uses For Old Wire Coat Hangers
Coat Hangers are not just useful for hanging your favorite clothes in the closet, they are handy in so many other ways too!
What Is Your Learning Style? This Chart Explains
What is your learning style? Identify your learning style with this chart.
12 Foods We Bet You Didn't Know Could be Microwaved
Do you think that your microwave is only good for heating frozen dinners? If so, you’re sorely mistaken! Use the following microwave hacks to soften sugar, froth milk, whip up some French toast, and more!
Never Struggle to Get Out of Bed Again with These Tips
Do you have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning? If so, you can add some much needed energy to your mornings by taking heed of these simple tips.
How Observant Are You? Can You Spot What's Wrong Here?
So how's your observational skills and eye for detail? Can you identify what's wrong with this picture? See if you can spot all 21 mistakes.
14 Incredible Egg Tricks For Egg Lovers
14 tricks and tips for cooking eggs!
How to De-Ice Your Freezer and 11 Other Practical Tips!
How to find something you lost, how to find pipes under your floor and more handy shortcuts everyone should know.
Clean the Things You Thought Were Impossible Easily
Thought you couldn't clean these items easily? This guide will help.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Olive Oil To Fry Or Braise Food
Stovetop cooking is very versatile, but most people are disappointed with this cooking method because they make one of these 10 mistakes...
A Beginner's GUIDE to Sculpting with Clay
This guide will be your comprehensive introduction to the world of sculpting, with a focus on traditional clay modeling.