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Lisa Moed Gruson, MD; Mary Wu Chang, MD

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2002;156:1091-1093.

Berloque dermatitis is a type of photocontact dermatitis. It occurs after perfumed products containing bergamot (or a psoralen) are applied to the skin followed by exposure to sunlight. Striking linear patterns of hyperpigmentation are characteristic, corresponding to local application of the scented product. In the acute phase, erythema and even blistering can be seen. We report a case of berloque dermatitis in a 9-year-old girl that was initially reported as child abuse. To our knowledge, this is the first report of berloque dermatitis mimicking child abuse. Questioning to elicit a history of perfume application coupled with sunlight exposure should help to prevent this misdiagnosis in children.

From the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology (Drs Moed Gruson and Chang) and the Department of Pediatrics (Dr Chang), New York University School of Medicine, New York.

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