Doctors Issue Warning About ‘Margarita Burn’ This Summer
Doctors issue warnings about margarita burns. This is where having the drink on your skin while out in the sun can cause severe burns.
It’s summer, and if you’re by the beach, by the pool, or just soaking up the sun, you might want to sip an adult drink or two. Now my favorite drink is vanilla bourbon and root beer, but my girlfriend takes care of making delicious margaritas. We all know there are many ways to make a margarita: on the rocks, frozen, strawberry, lime, the list goes on. With all the different combinations, I think it’s safe to say that margaritas are one of the most popular drinks during the summer.
Beware of Margarita Burns
If you’re one of those people who enjoys a nice, fresh margarita on the beach or outside in the sun, there’s something you might want to know. There is a risk of what is called “margarita burn”. No, it’s not the burning sensation you get in your throat when you drink a margarita that’s a little too strong. In fact, margarita burn happens when you’re out in the sun and you spill some of the drink on your skin. If you don’t wipe it off, you could get badly burned there.
According to the OMCP, it is known to doctors as phytophotodermatitis. The cause of the burn is actually one of the ingredients in the drink. The citrus fruits in margaritas contain a chemical that, when mixed in sunlight, can cause serious burns. Dr. Tola Oyesanya, dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente, told OMCP:
“There is a reaction that occurs over 24 hours that can cause redness, burning, irritation, even blistering of the skin.”
How do you know if you have Margarita Burn?
The difference between a margarita burn and a rash or sunburn is the pattern created by the irritation. Doctors have noticed more cases of margarita burns recently. They urge people to make sure they wash their hands after handling citrus fruits in the sun. So if you have a party fault and you spill your margarita, be sure to wash that area immediately.
If you end up with a margarita burn, a cold compress should help treat it, but if it swells or itches, you should see your doctor or dermatologist.
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Chances are you have a bottle of aloe vera gel somewhere in your house that you’ve probably had for years ready to apply when you’ve spent a little too much time in the sun and your skin feels like ( and resembles) the surface of the sun. Maybe it’s in a medicine cabinet or a bathroom closet. Maybe you keep it in the fridge door so it’s nice and cold to help ease the pain of sunburn a little faster. While this is a great, highly recommended way to take care of your skin after a sunburn, there are other options around your home that may also do the trick.
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