Skin contact with certain vegetables in the presence of sunlight may cause phytophotodermatitis. A report by Dr L. Lutchman and colleagues (accident and emergency department, Ipswich hospital, Suffolk) in the Journal of Accident and Emergency Medicine (1999;16:453) describes the presentation of 11 parsnip pickers to casualty on the same day. All had skin eruptions on the hands and forearms. The skin reaction began as a painful erythematous rash and later bullous lesions developed. All patients had been involved in hand picking parsnips. Within hours of sun exposure while parsnip picking, the skin reactions began.
Other vegetables that have been linked to phytophotodermatitis include members of the umbelliferous family, such as carrots and celery, the authors say.
They explain that these vegetables contain photosentising compounds called furocoumarins.
The reaction can be treated by applying non-adherent dressings and with analgesics. More severe cases may need a steroid cream or a solution of potassium permanganate to dry the bullous eruptions, the authors say. They add that affected skin may remain photosensitive for several months and sunscreens may be needed.