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Man gets second-degree burns squeezing limes for a margarita

By Zach Dennis
June 4, 2015

You probably weren't expecting to add margaritas to the list of things you should be cautious about this summer.

According to USA Today, the delicious drink could cause second-degree burns, which was the case for Aaron Peers. A week before his wedding, the Jacksonville man was making margaritas with his fiancée Alyse Golden when some lime juice dripped on his hands and arms. The next day, Peers noticed that red burns were developing all over his skin, and 48 hours later, a blister appeared.

Aaron Peers was squeezing limes to make margaritas in his backyard, never suspecting that the lime juice on his hands...

Posted by CBS News on Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Peers was told that the reaction was what happens when citric acid and the sun's rays mix -- the rare condition is actually often referred to as "lime disease," according to USA Today, or "margarita dermatitis."

According to The Daily Express, "The acid makes skin hypersensitive to sunlight, and exposure can cause nasty burns, blisters, or brown spots." But it isn't just limes that you should keep an eye out for; this reaction can also come from lemons, carrots, celery, bergamot oranges, parsnips and dill.

Dr. Douglas Robins told Newser that "he sees about a dozen patients each year affected by what is officially known as phytophotodermatitis and that it can take years to bleach skin back to normal." He added that while some people may react differently if one of those items touches your skin, "everyone is susceptible."

Robins recommends making cocktails indoors before bringing them outside to avoid the reaction.
As for Peers, he said “The blistering is gone and now I'm left with really bright pink skin." He said that Photoshop will be very useful for the wedding photos.

Read more at USA Today and Newser.

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Zach Dennis

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