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Severe phototoxic burn following celery ingestion
1Department of Dermatology, Lund University, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.
Archives of Dermatology
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Consuming celery root can cause severe phototoxic reactions due to high psoralen content. This natural compound, methoxsalen, poses a health hazard when absorbed in substantial amounts, especially after UV exposure.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photobiology
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Phototoxic reactions are adverse skin responses triggered by photosensitizing agents and subsequent UV radiation exposure.
- Celery (Apium graveolens) and related plants are known sources of psoralens, which can induce photosensitivity.
- Understanding the link between dietary intake of specific vegetables and phototoxicity is crucial for public health.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old woman experienced a severe, generalized phototoxic reaction after visiting a tanning salon.
- The reaction occurred approximately one hour after consuming a large quantity of celery root.
- This clinical presentation suggested a potential link between dietary intake and photosensitivity.
Findings:
- Thin-layer chromatography identified methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen) and 5-methoxypsoralen in celery root extract.
- The biologic activity assay indicated a significant psoralen dose of approximately 45 mg from the consumed celery root.
- These findings confirm the presence and potency of photosensitizing compounds in celery root.
Implications:
- Dietary consumption of certain vegetables, like celery root, can lead to significant systemic absorption of psoralens.
- High psoralen levels, combined with UV exposure (tanning beds, sunlight), can precipitate severe phototoxic reactions.
- Awareness of psoralen content in common foods is essential to prevent adverse health events, particularly for individuals with increased photosensitivity.