Particularly, youll want to avoid getting any lemon or lime juice on your skin when youre outside.
This reaction is called phytophotodermatitis, but its more commonly known as margarita burn.
The good news is margarita burns are relatively easy to prevent.
Photo Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images.
What Is a Margarita Burn?
Furocoumarins are found in some plants and fruits, especially citrus fruits.
But these symptoms can also appear anywhere on the skin that has been exposed to furocoumarins, Palm said.
This is also why we commonly see this condition flare up during the summer months, she said.
What Kinds of Food Can Lead to Margarita Burn?
How Long Does a Margarita Burn Last?
Its unfortunately difficult to know if you have been affected until after it is too late, she said.
Usually you start to see splotchy areas of red and sometimes blistering.
This will calm over time and become pink to brown and eventually resolve.
The good news is preventing margarita burn is relatively easy.
Here are some things that experts recommend doing:
How Do You Treat Margarita Burn?
If youre not sure what your rash is from, definitely see your dermatologist!
There are plenty of mystery rashes out there and that is what we are here for!
Maniam G, Light KM, Wilson J.Margarita burn: recognition and treatment of phytophotodermatitis.J Am Board Fam Med.
2022;13:803338. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.803338
Ohio State University.Wild parsnip: look but dont touch.
