It is quite possible that you are having a reaction to wild lime. Limes and all citrus are in the family Rutaceae, along with rue. These plants and many in the family Umbelliferae or Apiaceae produce furanocoumarins. Furanocoumarins are secondary plant compounds that the plants produce to protect it from herbivores. They are activated by UV light causing a severe skin rash. There are documented cases called bartender's rash and celery pickers itch from handling respectively limes and celery. Interestingly, many swallowtails feed exclusively on these plants and search out furanocoumarins when looking to lay eggs. They have mechanisims to deal with these compounds and it has been researched extensively by May Berenbaum's lab (http://www.life.uiuc.edu/berenbaum/). When the young swallowtails look like bird poop they actually use uric acid (the main component of bird poop) to create the look. This compound is a good anti-oxidant when dealing with furanocoumarins. Recently there was a discussion on the board about using parsley vs. dill. Many butterflies will choose plants in one genus carefully based on how much of these compounds (and the types) they contain. This is also true of Monarchs. Which is why certain milkweeds are preferred. In a pinch they will take what is available but do have preferences based on a lot of these secondary compounds.

In the future if you handle these plants, stay out of the sun for at least two hours. Make sure you wash. Unfortunately, the compounds do not wash very well according to the literature I have read but it is worth trying. Also, a good dermatologist would probably be worth visiting as I am not a doctor and do not wish to play one :)!

Hope you feel better,
Elisabeth

Its basically gone this morning, except one little patch on my arm. I am pretty sure that is what caused it - I will have to be careful around these plants. It did kinda look like the beginnings of a sunburn.