Figs are one of the symbol fruits of the summer months. The fig, which is loved by its lovers, can harm your skin if you are not aware of it. Dermatology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Özlem Ekiz warned about fig eczema. Assoc. Dr. Ekiz stated that the incidence of fig eczema increases with the arrival of spring and summer months. He stated that the exposed parts of the body reacted in contact with the fig tree, branch or the fig itself.
People with fig eczema first experience tingling, sunburn, pain, and then itching in the areas they come into contact with. People should be warned to be more careful when going to the garden or open areas, and should apply to the nearest dermatologist in case of any skin lesions.
BEWARE OF LEMON AND celery!
He pointed out that it is the name given to the phototoxic reaction (phytophotodermatitis) caused by a light-sensitive substance called furcoumarin in the skin of people who come into contact with the milk of raw figs or fig leaves, with the effect of UVA in sunlight. Ekiz said, “Similar symptoms can occur not only with figs, but also with some other plants (lemon, celery, parsnip) that contain photoactive coumarin.”
FIG ECZEMA SYMPTOMS
Touching on how fig dermatitis occurs, Assoc. Dr. Özlem Ekiz said, “As a skin sign, first tingling, sunburn sensation, pain and then itching sensation occur in open parts of the body and especially in areas that come into contact with fig tree branches or fig fruit or milk. Skin lesions are then seen.
As a skin lesion, erythema (redness), edema (swelling), vesicles and fluid-filled blisters, which we call bullae, may occur. Weird lines and artificial shapes are especially common on exposed parts of the body such as arms, legs and face. The patient’s history (working in the garden under the sun, fig or different grass contact) and the presence of typical skin lesions are usually sufficient for diagnosis.
FIG ECZEMA TREATMENT
Stating that the lesions of fig dermatitis regress in a short time with correct diagnosis and appropriate treatments, Assoc. Dr. Özlem Ekiz said, “Wet dressings, topical (applied to the skin) or systemic glucocorticoids, antihistamine type drugs are used in the treatment.
Patients should be made aware that figs can cause phytophotodermatitis, they should be warned to be more careful when going to the garden or open areas, and they should be told to apply to the nearest dermatology specialist if any skin lesion occurs. said.