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\"I had no idea that it was even a possibility until this experience,\" Bendzak said. \"Hopefully this story can help others learn from our experience and they can make better decisions for their own personal lives moving forward as well.\"

How to treat and prevent phytophotodermatitis

Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News chief medical correspondent and a board-certified OB-GYN, said the summer season is a time to be acutely aware of phytophotodermatitis as people are often outside cooking, eating and making drinks.

\"Citrus is definitely the most common, and lime is the most common amongst the citrus,\" Ashton said. \"So, that's why it's gotten this name, 'margarita burn.' People are making or drinking margaritas, touching limes outside in the summer months, and that can be an exposure.\"

In addition to celery and citrus, other plants and fruits that can cause phytophotodermatitis include carrots, peppers, dill, fennel, mustard, parsley and parsnip.

Ashton said the best prevention method is to wash your skin with soap and water if you are handling food and drinks while outside in the sun.

Another important prevention method, according to Ashton, is to wear sunscreen daily.

\"If you are going to be outside in the summer months, make sure you're reapplying that SPF every two hours,\" she said, adding, \"But to be crystal clear, [SPF] should be used 365 days a year, on your face, hands and neck, people of all skin colors, all skin types. So make it part of your day-to-day routine.\"

If a person notices changes on their skin, Ashton said they should contact a healthcare provider.

She noted that phytophotodermatitis can present from mild to severe symptoms.

\"It really is a spectrum of severity in terms of mild, moderate to severe,\" Ashton said. \"In mild cases, where someone has touched a lime or the citrus, you could just see some itching, some inflammation. You could see some some redness or pinkish discoloration depending on skin color, and then you could see a full spectrum of severity, ranging in more moderate cases to discoloration that may persist longer, and in severe cases, even some small blistering.\"

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