Herb of grace: an unusual cause of phytophotodermatitis mimicking burn injury.
We report the case of a 2-year-old child who suffered an acute phytophotodermatitis with systemic upset after contact with the herb Ruta Graveolens (common rue, Herb of Grace). We review the literature detailing the mechanism of the phytophotodermatitis and the mainstream and alternative medicinal uses of the herb. Clinicians treating burns should consider phytophotodermatitis in their differential diagnosis of any partial-thickness burn injury. Furthermore, the hazards of growing this widespread herb in gardens where children play should be well publicized.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Dominic
D
Furniss
Titus
T
Adams
D000208:Acute Disease; D002056:Burns / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017484:Dermatitis, Phototoxic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D032105:Ruta / Q000009:adverse effects*