Fig Tree-Induced Phytophotodermatitis: A Case Report on the Perils of a Hobby

Pinto, Ana Raquel; Machado Cunha, Inês; Rebelo Gomes, Eva

Publication

Fig Tree-Induced Phytophotodermatitis: A Case Report on the Perils of a Hobby

2023-07Journal article

dc.contributor.author	Pinto, Ana Raquel
dc.contributor.author	Machado Cunha, Inês
dc.contributor.author	Rebelo Gomes, Eva
dc.date.accessioned	2024-06-18T12:30:24Z
dc.date.available	2024-06-18T12:30:24Z
dc.date.issued	2023-07
dc.description.abstract	Phytophotodermatitis, a condition that results from sequential skin exposure to phototoxic chemicals contained within plants, followed by exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation, has been described with several plants and plant-based foods, namely members of the Moraceaefamily, which include Ficus carica L. This tree's branches, leaves, and fruit skin exude a milky sap or latex containing proteolytic enzymes and furocoumarins known to be photoirritants, easily absorbed upon skin contact. Oxygen-dependent and independent toxic reactions subsequent to sun exposure promote cell membrane damage and oedema, consequently leading to cell death. The diagnosis is confirmed with a detailed anamnesis, and photopatch testing is often useful to rule out a differential diagnosis. It is typically a self-limited condition, with few cases requiring treatment with topical or systemic corticosteroids. We report on a 55-year-old male patient who, following picking figs and pruning a fig tree while exposed to sunlight, developed erythematous and pruritic maculopapular lesions that progressed to blisters with residual hyperpigmentation. The diagnosis was further corroborated through photopatch testing, and the patient was recommended to avoid this recreational activity without symptoms' relapse. This case highlights the importance of considering phytophotodermatitis as a differential diagnosis when evaluating cases of dermatitis on exposed body surfaces and the importance of an exhaustive anamnesis. Identification of specific plant triggers and the performance of photopatch tests are essential to help confirm the diagnosis and guide avoidance recommendations	pt_PT
dc.description.version	info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion	pt_PT
dc.identifier.citation	Pinto AR, Machado Cunha I, Rebelo Gomes E. Fig Tree-Induced Phytophotodermatitis: A Case Report on the Perils of a Hobby. Cureus. 2023;15(7):e41888. doi:10.7759/cureus.41888	pt_PT
dc.identifier.doi	10.7759/cureus.41888	pt_PT
dc.identifier.issn	2168-8184
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10400.16/2969
dc.language.iso	eng	pt_PT
dc.peerreviewed	yes	pt_PT
dc.publisher	Cureus, Inc.	pt_PT
dc.relation.publisherversion	https://www.cureus.com/articles/149904-fig-tree-induced-phytophotodermatitis-a-case-report-on-the-perils-of-a-hobby#!/	pt_PT
dc.rights.uri	http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/	pt_PT
dc.subject	fig tree	pt_PT
dc.subject	furocoumarins	pt_PT
dc.subject	photosensitivity disorders	pt_PT
dc.subject	phytochemicals	pt_PT
dc.subject	phytophotodermatitis	pt_PT
dc.title	Fig Tree-Induced Phytophotodermatitis: A Case Report on the Perils of a Hobby	pt_PT
dc.type	journal article
dspace.entity.type	Publication
oaire.citation.conferencePlace	United States of America	pt_PT
oaire.citation.issue	7	pt_PT
oaire.citation.startPage	e41888	pt_PT
oaire.citation.title	Cureus	pt_PT
oaire.citation.volume	15	pt_PT
person.familyName	Pinto
person.familyName	gomes
person.givenName	Ana Raquel
person.givenName	eva
person.identifier.ciencia-id	0D1C-83A7-A086
person.identifier.orcid	0000-0002-1505-105X
person.identifier.orcid	0000-0001-8956-9145
rcaap.rights	openAccess	pt_PT
rcaap.type	article	pt_PT
relation.isAuthorOfPublication	3a34731e-084b-41de-a611-59b6bd0e5859
relation.isAuthorOfPublication	7e99b85c-5096-43a3-800b-02207a45237d
relation.isAuthorOfPublication.latestForDiscovery	7e99b85c-5096-43a3-800b-02207a45237d