Phytophotodermatitis simulating child abuse
K. Coffman, W. T. Boyce and R. C. Hansen
We explored the history in two children who had bizarre, hyperpigmented
skin lesions suggestive of child abuse. A final diagnosis of
phytophotodermatitis was established. The lesions resulted from inadvertent
application of squeezed lime juice to the children's skin by their parents
during the routine preparation of drinks, followed by sun exposure, which
activated the applied plant psoralens (furocoumarins). Phytophotodermatitis
can be induced by a number of plants, and, when unrecognized, may lead to
inappropriate investigation of child abuse.
