New Summer Ailment To Worry About: ‘Margarita Dermatitis’

There's nothing better during a Minnesota summer than sipping a few cocktails outside next to the pool or up north at the lake, right? Well, if you like any drink with freshly-squeezed lime juice in it, here's a new condition of which you'll want to be aware.

It's called phytophotodermatitis or, as it's commonly known, 'margarita dermatitis,' and it's apparently a toxic reaction your skin can have when exposed to direct sunlight after you've come in contact with a highly acidic source, like freshly-squeezed lime juice.

It sounds like a joke, but according to THIS story, it's actually a very serious and painful condition. "Margarita dermatitis flares up commonly in summertime when outdoor cocktail parties become popular. Lime juice can make the skin hypersensitive to the sun's rays which can trigger burning, blisters and stinging. It usually takes two to three days following exposure to the sun for the painful reaction to take place."

The story goes on to say that while reactions such as those are extreme cases, "everyone is susceptible." Yikes! Who knew making a margarita or a gin and tonic could cause third degree burns?!? I guess the secret is to either stay out of the direct sunlight, or use one of these citrus squeezers instead, so you don't get any lime juice directly on your hands.  Or maybe just stick with a tall, cold beer!