Dermatitis figus carica

Abstract

Phytophotodermatoses are defined as dermatoses developing due to exposure to sunlight after contact with plants. Dermatitis figus carica is a type of phytophotodermatose commonly seen in workers dealing with unripened figs. Clinically, it has first been described and meticulously investigated upon by Hulusi Behqet in the 1930s. It has later been understood that furocoumarin acts as a photosensitizing agent and aids pigmentation in this clinical entity. The pathogenetic mechanisms and clinical properties of dermatitis figus carica will be discussed in detail and the other types of photophytodermatoses will be mentioned.