[Phytophotodermatitis caused by plant trimming (edger's rash)].

Abstract

The use of a trimmer for a lawn, which is covered with phototoxic plants such as Heracleum sphondylium and other Umbellifers, can lead to a phytophotodermatitis (trimmer's rash). An erythema of the light exposed skin, following a moderate hyperpigmentation, can cause a focal, vesicular lifting of the upper epidermis, whereby this toxic skin lesion appears similar to an allergic eczema. The best prevention of this harmless but bothersome reaction lies in the use of such an edger only in the evening hours.