Margarita Rash: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Margarita Rash: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Margarita rash, medically known as phytophotodermatitis, is a skin reaction that occurs when the skin is exposed to certain plant chemicals and then to sunlight. This condition is often associated with handling limes or other citrus fruits, which is why it’s colloquially referred to as “margarita rash” or “lime disease.”

What goes better with summer, sun, travel and vacations than a delicious margarita? As we wind down the summer season this August and get ready for the kids to go back to school, we wanted to bring your attention to something may have never heard about. The combination of citrus and sun and what it can do to your skin.

To better understand this condition, let’s break down the derivation of the word:

• “Phyto” = plant
• “Photo” = light
• “Dermatitis”= inflammation of the skin

So, phytophotodermatitis means inflammation of the skin that is caused by exposure to certain plants in combination with sun exposure. Some plants contain light-sensitizing chemicals that cause blistering rashes or skin pigmentation after sun exposure.

How Do You Get It?

Phytophotodermatitis happens due to the following process:

1. Contact with Plant Chemicals: When your skin comes into contact with certain plant chemicals called furocoumarins found mostly in citrus fruits and some other plants.
2. Exposure to UV Light: If the affected skin is then exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, a chemical reaction occurs, leading to skin damage. It looks like a red rash or pigmentation and can occur on your face or body.

Common causes include:

• Squeezing limes for drinks (hence the name “margarita rash”).
• Preparing citrus fruits for cooking or garnishing.
• Gardening with plants that contain furocoumarins.

What Does It Look Like?

The appearance of phytophotodermatitis can vary, but it typically includes the following symptoms:

• Redness and Swelling: The skin may become red, swollen, and inflamed.
• Blisters: In severe cases, blisters may form and can be painful.
• Hyperpigmentation: After the initial reaction subsides, the affected areas may develop dark brown or tan streaks or patches, which can last for weeks or even months.
• Irregular Patterns: The rash often appears in irregular patterns or streaks, matching the area where the plant chemicals contacted the skin. If you dribbled lime juice down your chin after taking a shot of tequila in the sun, you could potentially develop a rash in the exact spot where the lime juice touched the skin.

How to Treat Margarita Rash

1. Immediate Care:
   • Rinse the Area: As soon as possible after exposure, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water to remove any plant chemicals.
   • Avoid Sunlight: Keep the affected skin out of direct sunlight to prevent further reaction. Cover the area with clothing or stay indoors.
2. Symptom Management:
   • Cool Compresses: Apply cool compresses to reduce redness and swelling.
   • Topical Steroids: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation. For severe reactions, a doctor may prescribe stronger steroid creams.
   • Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and discomfort.
   • Moisturizers: Apply soothing, non-pore-clogging moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated and support healing. We love Nutricream for it’s copper healing properties.
3. Long-term Care:
   • Sun Protection: Use sunscreen on the affected area and continue to protect it from sunlight to prevent pigmentation changes from worsening. We recommend Ultra Solar Shield, UV Shade or Ultra UV Shade to protect the skin from additional UV rays.
   • Patience: Hyperpigmentation can take several weeks or months to fade. Avoiding further sun exposure and using gentle skincare products can help.

Prevention Tips

• Wear Gloves: When handling citrus fruits or other plants known to cause phytophotodermatitis, wear gloves to protect your skin.
• Wash Hands Thoroughly: After handling such plants, wash your hands and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water.
• Be Mindful of Sun Exposure: If you’ve been handling potential irritants, avoid direct sun exposure for a few hours to prevent the chemical reaction.

Phytophotodermatitis, or margarita rash, is a preventable condition with proper precautions and can be effectively managed with prompt care and treatment. Always be mindful when handling citrus fruits and plants, especially during sunny days, to keep your skin healthy and rash-free.

We have had a few clients return from trips to Mexico with Phytophotodermatitis. It will go away, but it’s better to avoid getting it in the first place. So the next time you’re preparing a margarita or a having a shot of Jose Cuervo followed with a big squeeze of lime, be careful about doing it in the sun.

Cheers to clear!

Joyce