A New York designer is warning others about a condition known as phytophotodermatitis, or "margarita burn," after she developed severe second-degree burns on her hands from lime juice and sun exposure. The incident occurred last month when Haley Peacock squeezed approximately 30 limes to make a large batch of margaritas for a birthday celebration at an upstate home.
Peacock, who documented her experience in a viral TikTok video, initially rinsed her hands with water after squeezing the limes. She then spent several hours lounging by the pool. The following morning, she awoke to find her hands red, swollen, and covered in blisters that eventually grew to the size of golf balls.
Phytophotodermatitis is a reaction that occurs when compounds in certain plants, such as citrus fruits, interact with ultraviolet light. Dermatologists note that the condition is common during summer months and can be triggered by activities like barbecuing or making drinks with limes. The juice can splash onto the skin, and subsequent sun exposure leads to redness, itching, and blistering.
"Please please please, do not squeeze citrus and then go lay in the sun," Peacock urged in her video. "And if you do, please wash your hands with soap like 17 times." She sought urgent care, where she was diagnosed with second-degree burns. Although doctors provided treatment, the reaction worsened before subsiding. Peacock described the damage as gruesome, with one hand severely affected and the other less so. She noted that the burns significantly limited her ability to use her hands.
While limes are a common trigger, other foods like fennel, figs, celery, and carrots can also cause phytophotodermatitis. New York dermatologist Samer Jaber explained that lime juice can cause a "red, itchy, blistering rash" that may appear in irregular shapes or streaks where the juice made contact with the skin.
