Doctors and dermatologists may not always know the cause of skin growths or skin ailments.

However, they do know that some of them are caused by viruses and others are a result of environmental exposures.

The one thing that everyone agrees on is the fact that brown rash or any rash, growth or blemish should be checked out by a medical professional.

Question: I have had a weird rash on my hands for about a week. It started out like blisters after I was outside one day but now is flat and brown. It does not hurt or itch but does seem to be getting a little lighter. I’m not on any medications and did not use any sunscreen or skin products that day. What could be causing this?

Answer: As the weather gets warmer and people spend more time in the sun, I hear this same story quite often. You may be experiencing what is called “phytophotodermatitis,” or a reaction of the skin involving the sun and chemicals that can be found in items such as limes, lemons, parsnips, celery, parsley, figs, other plants and perfumes. A common scenario involves a person cutting or squeezing limes before going out to the pool or beach.