It’s easy to forget how the heat can mess with you while you’re pining for the sunshine through the non-summer months. Before you know it, you’re sweltering in your living room, your running schedule is in the bin, and the insides of your elbows have flared up with an itchy heat rash.
That kind of summery rash is one thing, but it turns out there’s another you should watch out for while you’re out enjoying the sunshine.
This one isn’t heat-related though; it’s all to do with your choice of drink and a lesser-known reaction to sunlight.
Unfortunately it also relates to a bona fide cocktail favourite: the margarita. Made with tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice, it’s one of the most refreshing kicks you can get by the side of a pool or in the midst of a double-parking situation during Happy Hour.
What you might not know about this classic is that it can be the root of a nasty rash that might need medical attention.
The condition is called photocontact dermatitis, or ‘margarita rash’ as it’s non-so-lovingly known. Strangely, it’s not the booze to blame, but the limes.
“It’s surprisingly common in areas that get a lot of sun and have lots of margaritas,” said dermatologist Dr Kenneth Beer, in conversation with Newsmax.
“One of the ingredients in limes, especially Persian limes, can react with light to give an annoying rash. Typically, it occurs on the back of the hands and topical steroids usually do the trick to make it better.”
The rash is triggered by furocoumarins, which are an organic compound common in citrus fruits, celery, parsley, figs and carrots.
These compounds can interact with ultraviolet (UV) light. They absorb the UV and then undergo chemical reactions from the radiation. It can manifest either as a phototoxic reaction, meaning the light and the compound damage the skin directly when they react, or as photoallergic one where the immune system renders an allergic response to the reaction.
If you’re affected, the rash will appear on your skin within hours and sometimes days. It may resolve itself quickly on its own, or it might stick around and become a chronic problem.
In order to minimise your risk of coming down with photocontact dermatitis, there are a few tips to follow:
- Wash your hands after handling citrus fruits, celery, parsley, figs or carrots. Any time you get citrus or other juices from these plants on your skin, you should clean it off with soap.
- Wear sunscreen and cover your skin to reduce your UV exposure.
- Don’t squeeze citrus fruits directly before going out in the sunshine.
The rash can be treated at home with a cold compress or a topical steroid like hydrocortisone, which you might have on-hand if you’re an eczema sufferer.
But also, it's always advisable to see a medical professional for expert advice.
Featured Image Credit: Linda Raymond/Getty Images
Rachael Davis