Large Blisters on 7-Month-Old Baby's Cheeks... The Cause Is 'This Vegetable'

Plant photodermatitis on the face caused by celery juice
Avoid touching lemons and similar fruits when exposed to sunlight

A story about a 7-month-old baby who developed dermatitis on both cheeks after eating celery in Canada has been reported by foreign media.

According to foreign media including the US ABC News on the 27th of last month (local time), Lena Benjak, who lives in Canada, gave her 7-month-old daughter celery as a teething substitute while enjoying a barbecue outdoors with her family in March.

Benjak said, "At that time, the baby's skin was covered from neck to toes with clothes," and added, "Since she was wearing a hat, I thought the baby was well protected from ultraviolet rays."

She also said, "I wiped the baby's face several times with a handkerchief throughout the afternoon."

On September 23 last year, a citizen is inspecting vegetables at a large supermarket in downtown Seoul.
Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

However, the next morning, a rash appeared around the baby's mouth, and the symptoms gradually worsened, turning into blisters.

Benjak visited a hospital to identify the exact cause and was diagnosed that the baby had 'phytophotodermatitis.'

Phytophotodermatitis is a condition caused by a phototoxic reaction when the substance 'furocoumarin' contained in celery is exposed to ultraviolet rays.

If affected by this dermatitis, the skin temporarily turns red, and in severe cases, erythema, blisters, and swelling may also appear.

Furocoumarin is also found in lemon, citrus, lime, fig, parsley, and other plants, so to avoid phytophotodermatitis, one should not touch these plants while exposed to ultraviolet rays.

If contact has already occurred, the skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and water.

Benjak urged, "I hope our experience raises awareness of the risks of phytophotodermatitis," and added, "Before exposing children to sunlight, be sure to check the ingredients of snacks or drinks they consume."