Phytophotodermatitis in Children: A Difficult Diagnosis Mimicking other Dermatitis

Phytophotodermatitis are phototoxic cutaneous reactions that are linked to a photosensitising plant in conjunction with exposure to the sun. They most often take the form of a rash consisting of vesicles or bullae, sometimes very marked, and residual hyperpigmentation. We report four cases of phytophotodermatitis in children with varied clinical presentations. The plant thought responsible was identified in one of the cases – Heracleumgiganteum (Giant Hogweed), which is rich in photosensitisingfurocoumarins. Diagnosis of these phytophotosensitisations can be difficult because it is easy to confuse with herpes infection, bullous impetigo, cutaneous allergies and even child abuse. It is when the patient or the parents are questioned on contact with certain plants in sunny conditions, often not spontaneously reported, that the diagnosis can be made. Evolution is generally positive and spontaneous after brief local corticotherapy.