Duas apresentações diferentes da mesma doença - um diagnóstico a considerar

Abstract

Phytophotodermatitis is a cutaneous phototoxic inflammatory eruption caused after the skin is exposed to photosensitizing compounds in plants, also known as furanocoumarins, and ul-traviolet A radiation. The skin lesions are limited to the areas in contact with the phototoxic agent a sun-exposed, usually appear 24 hours after exposure and peaks at 48- 72 hours. The affected area usually peels and develops permanent hyper or hypopigmentation, which may take months or years to fade. Treatment is essentially symptomatic with topical steroids and application of cold patches, as well as avoidance of sunlight to allow the dermatitis to self-resolve. However, this phenomenon is a chemical burn and should be managed according to the impact. With appropriate identification and removal of the offending agent the prognosis is usually good. This condition may be misdiagnosed as other skin disorders, as allergic contact dermatitis, cellulitis, physical abuse, and it should always be considered in differential diagnosis in sum-mer months.

Keywords

• photosensitivity disorders
• plant diseases
• child
• food hypersensitivity