The substantial differences between photoallergic and phototoxic reactions

Re: Jakubowicz O, Zaba C, Nowak G, Jarmuda S, Zaba R, Marcinkowski JT. Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2012; 19(2): 327-328.

With great interest, yet growing concern, I read the article published by Jakubowicz et al. in a recent issue of the journal AAEM, in which the authors addressed phototoxic reactions caused by Heracleum sosnowskyi. Without any doubt, this is a relevant challenge to public health in Poland, for the plant is spreading across the country in an uncontrolled way and people exposed to this plant and sunlight may suffer severe adverse cutaneous reactions. However, the scientifically incorrect terminology used by the authors throughout this article cannot be left without comment, as it fosters misunderstandings about this very important topic... (→ read the full text of this article)

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Diagnosis of photoallergy and phototoxicity in Krakow (Cracow), Poland