Celery Phytophotodermatitis in a Chef

Abstract

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> Celery phytophotodermatitis (PPD) has been reported previously in field harvesters and grocery workers, but not in chefs or individuals involved with food preparation in the home. We describe the case of a chef involved chiefly with salad preparation in whom phototesting with celery leaf reproduced an eruption similar morphologically and histologically to his presenting condition. <h3>Report of a Case.—</h3> A 19-year-old man developed a pruritic eruption on sun-exposed surfaces in the summer of 1988. It abated during the following winter but recurred 1 month prior to his presentation in May 1989. His medical history was unremarkable, his family history was negative for atopy, and there were no known allergies. Topical sunscreens were of inconsistent benefit; sunbathing, tanning parlor use, and particular outdoor recreational activity were denied. The individual worked an equal mixture of day and evening shifts, under fluorescent lighting, as a chef primarily responsible for salad