Challenging cause of bullous eruption of the hands in the Arctic

BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Nov 8:2018:bcr2018225981. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-225981.

Abstract

Phytophotodermatitis is caused by deposition of photosensitising compounds on the skin followed by ultraviolet exposure. We present an unusual case of a 29-year-old Australian male visiting Greenland who presented with severe itchy bullous eruption on his hands. The cause was a combination of exposure to lime fruit juice and prolonged sun exposure from the Arctic midnight sun.

Keywords: dermatological; dermatology; exposures; global health; travel medicine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Australia
  • Citrus aurantiifolia / adverse effects*
  • Dermatitis, Phototoxic / complications*
  • Dermatitis, Phototoxic / diagnosis*
  • Dermatitis, Phototoxic / drug therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Greenland / ethnology
  • Hand
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pruritus / drug therapy
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Skin
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / complications*
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / drug therapy
  • Sunlight / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents