/oss/taxonomy/term/2484/all en /oss/article/science-science-everywhere/phytophotodermatitis-and-giant-hogweed <p>“Phyto” derives from the Greek word for plant, “photo” from light and “derma” from skin, so “phytophotodermatitis” is a skin reaction initiated both by exposure to light and to some plant material. Both exposure to a photosensitizing agent and to ultraviolet light are necessary for the reaction to occur, although not necessarily concurrently. If exposure to the photosensitizing substance takes place in the absence of ultraviolet light, such as at night, a reaction can still occur on subsequent exposure to the sun if the substance has not been completely washed off the skin.</p> Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:59:56 +0000 OSS 1659 at /oss