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Published on: September 20, 2018

Phytophotodermatitis in 19 children admitted to hospital and their differential diagnoses: Child abuse and herpes

Karen Carlsen1, Kaare Weismann

  • 1Department of Dermatology at Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. Karen.Carlsen@fasanvaenget.dk

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|November 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Phytophotodermatitis, a skin reaction from plants and sun, can be misdiagnosed as child abuse or herpes. Early recognition is key to avoid unnecessary investigations.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Phytophotodermatitis is a non-immunologic skin reaction caused by psoralen-containing plants and subsequent sun exposure.
  • This condition presents diagnostic challenges, particularly in pediatric cases.

Observation:

  • A study reviewed 19 children diagnosed with phytophotodermatitis across two county hospitals.
  • Clinical presentations varied, leading to misdiagnoses in some instances.

Findings:

  • Cutaneous manifestations of phytophotodermatitis were mistaken for child abuse in one case.
  • Another child's presentation was incorrectly attributed to herpes simplex virus infection.

Implications:

  • Accurate diagnosis of phytophotodermatitis is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate investigations.
  • Increased physician education on phytophotodermatitis can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
Abstract

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