Botanical Briefs: Fig Phytophotodermatitis (Ficus carica).

Patients presenting with a linear, erythematous, blistering eruption may experience a sudden painful sunburn that seems to get worse rather than better with time. In warm climates, exposure to the common fig tree (Ficus carica) may be the culprit. Dermatologists should recognize fig phytophotodermatitis as a possible cause and help the patient connect their symptoms with the inciting agent as well as administer proper treatment.

Phototoxic Reactions Inducted by Hydrochlorothiazide and Furosemide in Normal Skin Cells-In Vitro Studies on Melanocytes and Fibroblasts.

Hypertension is known to be a multifactorial disease associated with abnormalities in neuroendocrine, metabolic, and hemodynamic systems. Poorly controlled hypertension causes more than one in eight premature deaths worldwide. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) and furosemide (FUR), being first-line drugs in the treatment of hypertension, are among others the most frequently prescribed drugs in the world. Currently, many pharmacoepidemiological data associate the use of these diuretics with an increased risk of adverse phototoxic reactions that may induce the development of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. In this study, the cytotoxic and phototoxic potential of HCT and FUR against skin cells varied by melanin pigment content was assessed for the first time. The results showed that both drugs reduced the number of metabolically active normal skin cells in a dose-dependent manner. UVA irradiation significantly increased the cytotoxicity of HCT towards fibroblasts by approximately 40% and melanocytes by almost 20% compared to unirradiated cells. In the case of skin cells exposed to FUR and UVA radiation, an increase in cytotoxicity by approximately 30% for fibroblasts and 10% for melanocytes was observed. Simultaneous exposure of melanocytes and fibroblasts to HCT or FUR and UVAR caused a decrease in cell viability, and number, which was confirmed by microscopic assessment of morphology. The phototoxic effect of HCT and FUR was associated with the disturbance of redox homeostasis confirming the oxidative stress as a mechanism of phototoxic reaction. UVA-irradiated drugs increased the generation of ROS by 10-150%, and oxidized intracellular thiols. A reduction in mitochondrial potential of almost 80% in melanocytes exposed to HCT and UVAR and 60% in fibroblasts was found due to oxidative stress occurrence. In addition, HCT and FUR have been shown to disrupt the cell cycle of normal skin cells. Finally, it can be concluded that HCT is the drug with a stronger phototoxic effect, and fibroblasts turn out to be more sensitive cells to the phototoxic effect of tested drugs.

Ficus carica L photodermatitis: a report of five cases with histopathologic study and review of the literature.

Phytophotodermatitis is a condition caused by contamination of the skin with phototoxic plant substances, followed by exposure to ultraviolet rays. Ficus carica L 1753, belonging to the Moraceae family, can be responsible for acute photodermatitis. We present five cases of photodermatitis caused by contact with Ficus carica L and subsequent exposure to sunlight. A histopathologic study and review of the literature are included.

Reações aos diferentes pigmentos de tatuagens: relato de dois casos / Reactions to the different pigments in tattoos: a report of two cases

A tatuagem é definida como deposição de pigmento intencional ou acidental na pele. Os pigmentos têm sido associados a diversas dermatoses, como a dermatite de contato alérgica, a dermatite liquenoide e as reações fotoinduzidas, granulomatosas, sarcoídeas e pseudolinfomatosas. Enfocam-se os diversos tipos de reações aos pigmentos e a importância de reconhecê-los clinicamente. São relatados dois casos: um de dermatite liquenoide sobre o pigmento vermelho e outro de pseudolinfoma sobre os pigmentos vermelho e lilás e de reação fotoinduzida sobre o amarelo. A remoção geralmente requer múltiplos tratamentos, e a maioria não retira as cores completamente.

Tattoos are defined as the intentional or accidental deposit of pigment into the skin. These pigments have been associated with various dermatoses such as allergic contact dermatitis, lichenoid dermatitis, photoinduced reactions, and granulomatous, sarcoid and pseudolymphomatous reactions. The objective of this report was to describe the various types of reactions to pigments and the importance of recognizing them clinically. Two cases are reported: one of lichenoid dermatitis resulting from a reaction to the red pigment of a tattoo and the other of a pseudolymphoma resulting from a reaction to red and lilac pigments and a photo-induced reaction to a yellow pigment. Removal generally requires multiple forms of treatment, most of which fail to remove the colors completely.

Fitodermatitis: aspectos epidemiológicos en Temuco-Chile / Phytophotodermatitis: epidemiological aspects in Temuco-Chile

La fitodermatitis provocadas por ruda (Ruta graveolens) son un motivo de consulta frecuente para los dermatólogos que ejercen en Temuco. Estas consultas predominan durante el período estival y sus manifestaciones clínicas pueden ser variadas y en algunas circunstancias presentarse de un modo severo. Se estudian 107 pacientes con diagnóstico de fitodermatitis que asisten a la consulta privada del autor desde mayo de 1990 a abril del 2003. En más de la mitad de los casos la planta involucrada era la ruda. La mayoría de los pacientes consultaron durante los meses de primavera y verano. La patología afecta a cualquier edad, incluyendo los lactantes, aunque predomina en personas de la segunda década de la vida. Este estudio muestra una alta incidencia de fitofotodermatosis por ruda en la IX Región de Chile, a diferencia de la literatura internacional, donde los casos publicados son escasos. Esta conclusión puede ser relevante desde el punto de vista epidemiológico para la región y avala la importancia de advertir a la población sobre el cuidado que se debe tener en la manipulación de la planta.

Relato de caso: dermatite de contato causada por arruda (Ruta graveolens L.) / Case report: contact dermatitis caused by to (Ruta graveolens L.)

Um homem de 26 anos desenvolveu uma reaçäo fototóxica em suas pernaas, após utilizar as partes aéreas frescas da arruda (Ruta graveolens L.), para repelir pernilongos, depois de se expor ao sol. A hipersensibilidade foi causada devido às furanocumarinas (psoralenos) presentes no óleo essencial da arruda.