What is ‘margarita burn’ and how can it affect our children?

Earlier today, we reported on a story regarding a mum in Canada who has shared a warning to other parents about eating and drinking outdoors following her child’s rare diagnosis.

Reanna Bendzak told Good Morning America that she had her husband had fed their 7 month old celery while at an outdoor party and after wiping her face multiple times, they noticed a rash the next morning.

The rash then became blistery for 10 days and their child was diagnosed with the condition phytophotodermatitis.

Commonly known as “margarita burn”, children can be impacted by this despite its adult-like nickname.

According to ABC’s News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton, the summer is a time to really watch out for this due to people often cooking, eating and enjoying drinks outside.

She told ABC: “Citrus is definitely the most common, and lime is the most common amongst the citrus.

“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.”

With foods like celery and citrus, as well as other plants like carrots, peppers, dill, fennel, mustard, parsley and parsnip, mixing the residue on skin with sunlight can cause an adverse reaction – causing it to burn and blister.

The best way to prevent this is to wash your skin with water and soap after handling food and drinks outside and to ensure you have put sunscreen on.

If you notice changes on your skin or your child’s skin, the best route is to contact a healthcare provider.

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