Misuse, consequences and phototoxic skin-related effects of Rutaceae

Ruta is a common plant growing in Italy and in the Mediterranean area. It has been used in popular tradition with different aims, ranging from therapeutic to esoteric purposes. However, the plant is still used as a common remedy in some of present-day rural and urban communities and it can be found in gardens all over Europe. Ruta's photosensitizing effect has been described in the literature and seems to be mediated by furanocoumarins. We collected data from the 18 case-reports for a total of 32 patients that we included in our analysis, assessing demographic variables, clinical findings, diagnosis, time of onset of lesions, time of resolution and therapy. The main aim of this work was to outline the clinical presentation, therapeutic management and demography of phytophototoxic reactions from contact with Ruta in order to suggest the correct diagnostic approach and disease recognition, as well as its possible prevention.