Like Ammi majus in the family Apiaceae, the common fig has been used since antiquity to treat vitiligo but the milky sap of fig leaves can cause phytophotodermatitis if used accidentally or inappropriately. A literature search revealed 19 cases of fig leaf-induced phytophotodermatitis reported between 1984 and 2012. In Brazil, several hospitals reported more than 50 cases of fig leaf-induced burn in one summer. In most cases, patients reportedly used the leaves of the fig plant for folk remedies, tanning, or gardening. Other plant species in the family Moraceae that are associated with phytophotodermatitis include Ficus pumila and Brosimum gaudichaudii. Like Ficus carica, the South American species Brosimum gaudichaudii has been shown to contain both psoralen and bergapten. Prevention
The first and best line of defense against phytophotodermatitis is to avoid contact with phototoxic substances in the first place:

Avoid contact with the plant family Apiaceae, citrus fruits, and other biological agents known to have phototoxic effects. Do not incinerate phototoxic plants and agents since this will serve to disperse the phototoxic substances more widely. In outdoor situations where contact with phototoxic plants is likely, wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. Wear gloves and protective eyewear before handling such plants. If protective clothing is not available, apply sunscreen to exposed areas. This will provide some measure of protection if contact is made. After an outdoor activity, take a shower or a bath as soon as possible.
A dermatologist may also prescribe a whitening cream to help treat the hyperpigmentation and return the skin pigmentation back to normal. If the patient does not receive treatment, the affected sites may develop permanent hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. History
The photosensitizing effects of plants have been known since antiquity. In Egypt around 2000 B.C., the juice of Ammi majus "was rubbed on patches of vitiligo after which patients were encouraged to lie in the sun." In A.D. 50, the Greek physician Dioscorides observed that pigment would return to patches of vitiligo if "cataplasmed with ye leaves or ye boughes of ye Black Figge," an apparent reference to Ficus carica, the common fig. These ancient practices acknowledged the hyperpigmentation effects now known to accompany phytophotodermatitis. One of the earliest reports of plant-based dermatitis was given by Chaumton in 1815, who noted that the outer rind and root of cow parsnip (a common name for any Heracleum species of plant) contained an acrid sap sufficiently strong to inflame and ulcerate the skin. Similarly in 1887 Sornevin reported that Heracleum sphondylium caused dermatitis. However, neither of these early reports recognized the crucial role of ultraviolet radiation. "Berloque dermatitis" (from the French word "berloque" meaning trinket or charm) is a term coined by Rosenthal in 1925 to describe the pendant-like streaks of pigmentation observed on the neck, face, and arms of patients.