Phytophotodermatitis in 19 children admitted to hospital and their differential diagnoses: Child abuse and herpes simplex virus infection.

BACKGROUND: Phytophotodermatitis is a non-immunologic cutaneous reaction that can be provoked after contact with plants containing psoralens followed by sun exposure.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical features of phytophotodermatitis and its differential diagnoses, especially child abuse and herpes virus infection.

METHODS: Nineteen children seen in two county hospitals are described.

RESULTS: The 19 children had various cutaneous manifestations, which were mistaken in one patient for child abuse and in one child for herpes simplex virus infection.

LIMITATIONS: The doctors' perception is based on the doctors' education.

CONCLUSION: Children are susceptible to contact with psoralen-containing plants followed by sun exposure. Phytophotodermatitis is a difficult diagnosis, which can sometimes lead to the inappropriate investigation of child abuse or herpes simplex virus infection.