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Phototoxic dermatitis due to Chenopodium album in a child

Serap G Bilgili1, Necmettin Akdeniz2, Sinan Akbayram3

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Ipekyolu State Hospital, Van, Turkey.

Pediatric Dermatology
|August 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A child developed severe phototoxic dermatitis after eating Chenopodium album (lambsquarters). This is the first reported case of this reaction in a child, highlighting a potential environmental hazard.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Toxicology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Chenopodium album, commonly known as lambsquarters, is a widespread plant.
  • Plant-induced phototoxic dermatitis is a known, albeit uncommon, dermatological reaction.

Observation:

  • A 2-year-old girl presented with severe phototoxic dermatitis.
  • The dermatitis was directly linked to the ingestion of Chenopodium album.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first documented instance of phototoxic dermatitis in a child caused by Chenopodium album ingestion.
  • The severity of the reaction underscores the plant's potential toxicity.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider Chenopodium album as a potential cause of phototoxic dermatitis in children presenting with unexplained skin reactions.
  • Awareness of this plant's photosensitizing properties is crucial for pediatricians and public health officials.
  • Further research into the specific compounds responsible for the photosensitivity in Chenopodium album may be warranted.

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