B.C. mom warns others after baby gets ‘margarita burn’ after sun exposure

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If you ever get some lime juice on yourself while drinking a margarita or making guacamole for a meal in the sun, you may want to be extra careful.

Reanna Bendzak, a mother in Kamloops, is telling people to take precautions after her baby suffered a rash and painful blisters around her mouth after eating celery outside.

The medical term is phytophotodermatitis, also known as “margarita burn.” Experts say it happens because some plants and fruits have an organic chemical compound that can make skin more sensitive to the sun, and in some cases, cause extreme burns.

That’s what happened to Bendzak’s child.

“Our 7-month-old was chewing on celery while enjoying the sunshine to help soothe her teething gums. She was in the sun for 20-30 minutes, the celery juice/drool was wiped away with a dry cloth and bathed that evening,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

Eventually, a red rash developed and then blisters, which lasted more than a week.

“With warmer days approaching, please be mindful of what snacks/drinks you and your children are enjoying and wash thoroughly before going into the sun if you do consume anything on this list as this can happen to anyone,” she added.

The mother of two told ABC News this happened in March, while her family was at an outdoor barbecue. “She is healing well but we now have a long road of hyperpigmentation and scarring to treat,” she said.

Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News chief medical correspondent and a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, says this condition is something to be aware of as we head into long stretches of hot weather.

“Citrus is definitely the most common, and lime is the most common amongst the citrus,” explained Ashton. “So, that’s why it’s gotten this name, ‘margarita burn.’ People are making or drinking margaritas, touching limes outside in the summer months, and that can be an exposure.”

Reanna Bendzak, a mother in Kamloops, recreated a “margarita burn” after her child received blisters around their mouth. (Courtesy Facebook / Reanna Bendzak)

Other culprits that can cause margarita burn include carrots, peppers, dill, fennel, parsley, parsnips, and other kinds of citrus.

“When you have contact on your skin and then exposure to sunlight, it can trigger a process ranging from a little bit of irritation and discolouration to actual blisters, hyperpigmentation or darkening [of the skin].”

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She says the best way to prevent any issues is to wash the area with soap and water.

“If you have young children, parents should just be aware of this and if they’re eating carrots or celery in the summer months, outside in the sun, just wash their hands,” she said.

Don’t pop any blisters, Ashton says and recommends contacting a doctor if you notice any changes in your or your child’s skin following any possible exposure.