A study of phytophotodermatitis in Malta

Abstract

Phytophotodermatitis is a toxic skin reaction brought about by the combination of the following two effects: (a) furanocoumarin molecules transferred onto the skin by contact with certain plant species and/or products derived from these species; and (b) followed by the exposure of the areas of contact to solar ultraviolet-A radiation. The plant species belong to the Moraceae, the Leguminosae, the Rutaceae and the Umbellifferae families. Derived products include Persian lime juice and liquids containing bergamot oil. In Malta there are very few cases of phytophotodermatitis reported each year. In this project the following tasks were carried out: 1. Compilation of a list of the local plant species known to contain furanocoumarins. 2. Compilation of a list of the responsible local plant species that cause phytophotodermatitis. Utilisation of different photo-patch testing methods helped in this compilation. 3. Interviewing patients reported to suffer from phytophotodermatitis and who attended the Dermatology Department, Sir Paul Boffa Hospital for medication; 4. Interviewing doctors and pharmacists to enquire about their familiarity with phytophotodermatitis. 5. Preparation of a case report of phytophotodermantis from the common fig (Ficus carica), aimed to be published in a medical journal. 6, Proposal of issuing a leaflet and a poster aimed at increasing the awareness of Phytophotodermatitis.