Photodermatitis: Difference between revisions

Photodermatitis
Synonyms	Sun poisoning, photoallergy, photosensitivity
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Rash, redness, itching, blisters, peeling skin
Complications	Skin cancer, infection
Onset	Minutes to hours after sun exposure
Duration	Days to weeks
Types	N/A
Causes	Ultraviolet radiation, photosensitizing agents
Risks	Fair skin, certain medications, genetic predisposition
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, phototesting, patch testing
Differential diagnosis	Contact dermatitis, lupus erythematosus, polymorphous light eruption
Prevention	Sun protection, avoidance of triggers
Treatment	Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, cool compresses
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in individuals with photosensitivity
Deaths	N/A

Latest revision as of 15:44, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

A skin condition caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight

Photodermatitis is a condition characterized by an abnormal skin reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This condition can manifest as a rash, blisters, or other skin lesions and is often accompanied by itching or pain. Photodermatitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, certain medications, and exposure to specific chemicals or plants.

Causes[edit]

Photodermatitis can be triggered by several factors:

Genetic factors: Some individuals have a hereditary predisposition to photosensitivity, which can lead to photodermatitis.
Medications: Certain medications, such as tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Chemicals: Contact with certain chemicals, such as coal tar or psoralens, can cause photodermatitis when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
Plants: Some plants, like limes and parsnips, contain compounds that can cause photodermatitis upon exposure to sunlight.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of photodermatitis can vary depending on the severity of the reaction and the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

Redness and inflammation of the skin
Itching or burning sensation
Blisters or hives
Peeling or flaking skin

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of photodermatitis typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. A dermatologist may perform a phototest to determine the skin's reaction to UV light. Patch testing may also be conducted to identify specific allergens or chemicals responsible for the reaction.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for photodermatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further exposure to the triggering factors. Common treatments include:

Topical corticosteroids: These can reduce inflammation and itching.
Antihistamines: These can help alleviate itching and discomfort.
Avoidance of triggers: Identifying and avoiding the substances or medications that cause the reaction is crucial.
Sun protection: Using broad-spectrum sunscreens and wearing protective clothing can help prevent further reactions.

Prevention[edit]

Preventing photodermatitis involves minimizing exposure to known triggers and protecting the skin from UV radiation. Strategies include:

Wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats
Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF)
Avoiding known photosensitizing medications and chemicals

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Photodermatitis''' is a form of [[allergic reaction]] that is triggered by exposure to certain types of [[light]], most commonly [[ultraviolet (UV) radiation]]. This condition is also known as sun poisoning or sun allergy.
+{{SI}}
+{{Infobox medical condition
-== Causes ==
+| name            = Photodermatitis
-Photodermatitis can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause is exposure to certain types of light, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial light sources. Certain medications, chemicals, and plants can also cause photodermatitis. These substances can make the skin more sensitive to light, leading to an allergic reaction when the skin is exposed to light.
+| image           = [[File:Photodermatitis.jpg|250px]]
+| caption         = A case of photodermatitis on the arm
-== Symptoms ==
+| synonyms        = Sun poisoning, photoallergy, photosensitivity
-The symptoms of photodermatitis can vary depending on the severity of the reaction. Common symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling of the skin. In more severe cases, blisters or hives may develop. The skin may also become darkened or discolored, a condition known as [[hyperpigmentation]].
+| field           = [[Dermatology]]
+| symptoms        = [[Rash]], [[redness]], [[itching]], [[blisters]], [[peeling skin]]
-== Diagnosis ==
+| complications   = [[Skin cancer]], [[infection]]
-Photodermatitis is typically diagnosed based on the appearance of the skin and a patient's history of exposure to light or potential photosensitizing substances. In some cases, a [[skin biopsy]] may be performed to rule out other conditions.
+| onset           = Minutes to hours after sun exposure
+| duration        = Days to weeks
-== Treatment ==
+| causes          = [[Ultraviolet radiation]], [[photosensitizing agents]]
-Treatment for photodermatitis typically involves avoiding exposure to the type of light that triggers the reaction. This may involve wearing protective clothing, using sunscreens, and avoiding certain types of artificial light. Medications such as [[corticosteroids]] may be used to reduce inflammation and itching. In severe cases, a type of treatment known as [[phototherapy]] may be used.
+| risks           = [[Fair skin]], [[certain medications]], [[genetic predisposition]]
+| diagnosis       = [[Clinical examination]], [[phototesting]], [[patch testing]]
-== Prevention ==
+| differential    = [[Contact dermatitis]], [[lupus erythematosus]], [[polymorphous light eruption]]
-Prevention of photodermatitis primarily involves avoiding exposure to the type of light that triggers the reaction. This can be achieved by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreens, and avoiding certain types of artificial light. It is also important to avoid substances that can make the skin more sensitive to light.
+| prevention      = [[Sun protection]], [[avoidance of triggers]]
+| treatment       = [[Topical corticosteroids]], [[antihistamines]], [[cool compresses]]
+| frequency       = Common in individuals with [[photosensitivity]]
+}}
+{{Short description|A skin condition caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight}}
+'''Photodermatitis''' is a condition characterized by an abnormal skin reaction to [[ultraviolet]] (UV) radiation from the [[sun]]. This condition can manifest as a rash, blisters, or other skin lesions and is often accompanied by itching or pain. Photodermatitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, certain medications, and exposure to specific chemicals or plants.
+==Causes==
+Photodermatitis can be triggered by several factors:
+* '''Genetic factors''': Some individuals have a hereditary predisposition to photosensitivity, which can lead to photodermatitis.
+* '''Medications''': Certain medications, such as [[tetracycline]]s, [[sulfonamide]]s, and [[nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] (NSAIDs), can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
+* '''Chemicals''': Contact with certain chemicals, such as [[coal tar]] or [[psoralen]]s, can cause photodermatitis when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
+* '''Plants''': Some plants, like [[lime]]s and [[parsnip]]s, contain compounds that can cause photodermatitis upon exposure to sunlight.
+==Symptoms==
+The symptoms of photodermatitis can vary depending on the severity of the reaction and the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
+* Redness and inflammation of the skin
+* Itching or burning sensation
+* Blisters or hives
+* Peeling or flaking skin
+==Diagnosis==
+Diagnosis of photodermatitis typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. A dermatologist may perform a [[phototest]] to determine the skin's reaction to UV light. Patch testing may also be conducted to identify specific allergens or chemicals responsible for the reaction.
+==Treatment==
+Treatment for photodermatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further exposure to the triggering factors. Common treatments include:
+* '''Topical corticosteroids''': These can reduce inflammation and itching.
+* '''Antihistamines''': These can help alleviate itching and discomfort.
+* '''Avoidance of triggers''': Identifying and avoiding the substances or medications that cause the reaction is crucial.
+* '''Sun protection''': Using broad-spectrum [[sunscreen]]s and wearing protective clothing can help prevent further reactions.
+==Prevention==
+Preventing photodermatitis involves minimizing exposure to known triggers and protecting the skin from UV radiation. Strategies include:
+* Wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats
+* Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high [[sun protection factor]] (SPF)
+* Avoiding known photosensitizing medications and chemicals
+==See also==
+* [[Photosensitivity]]
+* [[Sunburn]]
+* [[Dermatitis]]
 [[Category:Dermatology]]
-[[Category:Allergies]]
 [[Category:Skin conditions]]
-[[Category:Light]]
-{{medicine-stub}}

Photodermatitis

Synonyms	Sun poisoning, photoallergy, photosensitivity
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Rash, redness, itching, blisters, peeling skin
Complications	Skin cancer, infection
Onset	Minutes to hours after sun exposure
Duration	Days to weeks
Types	N/A
Causes	Ultraviolet radiation, photosensitizing agents
Risks	Fair skin, certain medications, genetic predisposition
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, phototesting, patch testing
Differential diagnosis	Contact dermatitis, lupus erythematosus, polymorphous light eruption
Prevention	Sun protection, avoidance of triggers
Treatment	Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, cool compresses
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in individuals with photosensitivity
Deaths	N/A