A 'worrying' social media trend has prompted doctors to speak out as people use lemons to achieve 'sun-kissed blonde hair'. But, this could lead to a painful medical condition.
Dr Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon, has warned against people rubbing lemon juice in their hair this summer. The trend has seen sunbathers video themselves attempting to naturally bleach their hair with the citrus fruit.
Dr Rajan said: "The citric acid from the lemon interacts with UV rays from the sun and makes the hair more photosensitive. This accelerates melanin breakdown in the hair causing a lightening of the hair colour.
"But the acidity of lemon juice can also strip the hair of its natural oils leading to dryness and increased hair fragility. The real problem comes when it gets onto your scalp and skin.
"Citrus fruits contain chemicals called psoralens and, when exposed to sunlight, UV radiation activates the psoralens leading to a photo toxic reaction causing inflammation and damage to the skin cells. This is known as phytophotodermatitis."
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Phytophotodermatitis isn’t a serious condition. But its effects can last for several weeks or even months, according to Healthline.
Over time, the affected areas clear up on their own, however it can be helped with a few remedies. Recurring cases of phytophotodermatitis aren’t common as, once you get the condition, you’re more likely to take care in the outdoors and avoid certain plants and fruits to prevent future exposure.
Dr Rajan said: "If your skin comes into contact with citrus juice, and you're in the sunshine for prolonged periods of time, wash the affected areas with soap and water to remove to psoralens. If you are already getting symptoms, then cold compresses and consider antihistamines and over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams to reduce inflammation."
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