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Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · Arch Plast Surg 2026; 53(01): 123-128
DOI: 10.1055/a-2699-8042
Clinical Practice and Education
Case Report

Severe Phytophotodermatitis Caused by Mulberry Tree: A Case Report and Literature Review

Authors

  • Young Geun Kim 

    1   Gang Hospital, Public Health Doctor, Goseong-gun, Korea (the Republic of)

  • Keun-Cheol Lee 

    2   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
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Abstract

Phytophotodermatitis (PPD) is an uncommon dermatologic condition that occurs after exposure to furocoumarins found in certain plant saps, which become activated upon ultraviolet A radiation exposure. This condition is frequently misdiagnosed as cellulitis, allergic dermatitis, or other common skin disorders. Here, we present a case of severe PPD in a 52-year-old male who initially developed a rash and blistering on his forearm following outdoor activity. He was initially misdiagnosed with cellulitis; however, his symptoms persisted despite antibiotic treatment, prompting further evaluation. A detailed patient history revealed recent contact with a mulberry tree, and together with characteristic biopsy findings, confirmed the diagnosis of PPD. The patient showed significant improvement following the administration of oral corticosteroids and topical steroid treatment. This case underscores the importance of recognizing PPD in clinical practice to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure effective management.

Keywords

phytophotodermatitis - mulberry tree - furocoumarins - phototoxic reaction

Contributors' Statement

Y.-G.K.: conceptualization, data collection, manuscript drafting.

K.-C.L.: supervision, critical revision of the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.


Ethical Approval

This case report was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of [Insert Institution Name], approval number: [Insert IRB Number].


Informed Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for the publication of this case report and any accompanying images.




Publication History

Received: 17 March 2025

Accepted: 09 September 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
12 September 2025

Article published online:
30 January 2026

© 2026. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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