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
10 Creative Ways to Sneak More Walking Into Your Day
Finding a designated time for walking and exercise can be difficult. Luckily, there are many creative and fun ways to sneak extra steps into your routine!
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.
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.
Why Brushing Teeth BEFORE Your Morning Coffee Is Essential
The order in which you drink your morning coffee matters because it could be harming your teeth...
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.
14 Ingenious Organization Hacks to Declutter Your Closet
Here are 14 incredibly clever and easy tips and tricks everyone can master to organize your closet and make it a lot more spacious.
8 Adorable Mini Indoor Plants to Liven Up Any Small Space
These low-maintenance houseplants aren’t just cute, they hardly take up any space!
10 Great Skin & Hair Treatments You Can Make with a Cucumber
Cucumbers have a whole range of benefits for your skin and hair. Here are some cheap and simple products that really work, and you can make them all at home.
An A-Z of Carpet Cleaning - The Ultimate Guide!
There are so many different kinds of carpet stains that it's hard to know how to clean them all. Here is the ultimate A-Z carpet cleaning guide.
11 Unhealthy Signs in Your Dog That You Shouldn't Ignore
If you're a dog owner, it is in your duty to be observant toward your dog's health. Here are the warning signs you should watch out for.
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.
The BEST Craft Idea For the Little Princesses in Your Life
Make this cute princess charm you can hang on a bag, and it's both easy and fun!
These 15 Surprising Cucumber Uses Will Come in Handy
Cucumbers are a very healthy addition to any diet, but they also have many other great uses that you should know about. Here's 15...
Incredibly Simple Homemade Rust Cleaner for Your Bathroom
Rust stains on porcelain surfaces can be a real pain, but they're easily removed with material you probably have in your kitchen.
12 Recipes That'll Add Much Needed Green to Your Diet
If your kids or you hate eating your greens, try these 12 recipes and enjoy the health benefit without the taste you don't like.
The Secret to Folding a Fitted Sheet!
A fitted sheet seems to be designed NOT to be folded. However, this video will tell you the truth and teach you how to fold it with ease.
This Short Grilling Tip Will Make Your Food Taste Better
Learn the best type of smoke for your grill and how to create it at home.
This Bizarre Soap Trick Can Alleviate Leg Pain
Did you know that placing a bar of soap under a bed sheet can help reduce restless legs syndrome symptoms? Learn more about this odd trick.
Body Wash vs. Bar Soap: Which One Should You Choose?
Body wash or shower gel? Which one do you prefer? If you’re uncertain, we’ll help you find out when to use each one.
Make Your Own Laundry Soap for Just $1 a Gallon!
Making your own, much cheaper, liquid laundry soap is straightforward and can save you a lot of money. The best bit is that it only requires you buying 3 very cheap ingredients.
13 Daily Objects We Could Be Using Better
You probably think you know how to use most of these objects already. Don't worry, all of us thought the same...
What Is Your Learning Style? This Chart Explains
What is your learning style? Identify your learning style with this chart.
10 Super-Effective Tips No One Else Will Tell You About
Fix and do just about anything with the following 10 supercool tips and tricks!
Do This to Revive a Drying Houseplant
Whenever one of your houseplants suddenly looks ill, do this trick.
10 Household Items You Should Disinfect Every Day
Here is a list of 10 essential household things that you simply must disinfect during the winter months.
How to Clean BETWEEN the Oven's Glass Panels
Here is a neat trick you can use to make sure that this troublesome gap is kept free of dirt and filth so that your oven door remains spotless!
9 Ingredients It's Best to Avoid When Grocery Shopping
Stay healthy by making sure that these 9 ingredients are not part of the food you buy.
Relieve Itching With These 7 Useful Natural Tips
Here's a look at a few great home remedies that can work wonders to calm itchy skin.
Here's How You Can Tell If Someone Is Lying to You
No one likes a liar, but thankfully, if you know how to read body language, you can tell if someone is lying to you.
15 Signs of Infidelity That Are Too Easy To Miss
Unsure of whether your partner is having an affair? These 15 tips will give you a clear indication.
7 Mistakes We Generally Make While Arranging Furniture
Here's a look at some furniture arranging mistakes you should always avoid and how you can fix them.
Struggling with Sleep? These YouTube Channels Can Help
The next time you struggle with sleep, try these YouTube channels.
WATCH: Grow Your Very Own Tomatoes Using This Method
Watch this video to learn how to grow your very own luscious and juicy tomatoes from the comfort of your own home.
9 Tips to Ensure You Drink Enough Healthy Water Every Day!
Water is so important for our health it's hard to overstate. But most people find it rather dull. So, here are some tips to make sure you get enough.
Keep Your Shoes in Top Shape with These Tips and Tricks
Learn how to always keep your shoes in top shape, no matter their age or fabric. I guarantee, it will save you a lot of money because you won’t have to buy new shoes so often anymore.
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.
11 Mistakes Any DIY-er Should Avoid
Before you begin your long awaited project, take a look at these common DIY mistakes and make sure you’re not making any of them along the way.
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.
The 7 Dirtiest Spots in Your Home You Forget to Clean
Your home may not be as clean as you think. Here are seven dirty spots you are overlooking in your home
How to Prepare Matcha, the Healthiest Drink on the Market!
Matcha green tea is one of the healthiest drinks out there and this is how you can make it yourself.
These 8 Beauty Items Are Useless and Not Worth Your Money
The average American woman uses 16 beauty products daily. But most of these are a waste of money. Take a look.
10 Fantastic Food Hacks To Try At Home
Make your culinary experience as good as it can be using these 10 neat little kitchen hacks.
13 Mistakes You’re Making in the Shower!
Do you take a shower every day? If so, you're already making one of the 13 shower mistakes most people aren't aware of. Discover them all in the next article.
Extend the Shelf Life of Your Groceries with These Hacks!
Here are 12 super useful grocery life hacks that will make your groceries last longer and ensure no food is wasted!
50 Great Kitchen Hack That Everyone Should Know About
Spending time in the kitchen makes you realize that you can do things a lot quicker than you thought possible. Let me share my tips with you.
Is Your Bathroom as Clean as It Could Be? Probably Not!
Is your bathroom as clean as it could be? Follow these 10 tips to ensure a cleaner bathroom.