Photodermatitis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Photodermatitis | |||
| image = [[File:Photodermatitis.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A case of photodermatitis on the arm | |||
| synonyms = Sun poisoning, photoallergy, photosensitivity | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Rash]], [[redness]], [[itching]], [[blisters]], [[peeling skin]] | |||
| complications = [[Skin cancer]], [[infection]] | |||
| onset = Minutes to hours after sun exposure | |||
| duration = Days to weeks | |||
| causes = [[Ultraviolet radiation]], [[photosensitizing agents]] | |||
| risks = [[Fair skin]], [[certain medications]], [[genetic predisposition]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical examination]], [[phototesting]], [[patch testing]] | |||
| differential = [[Contact dermatitis]], [[lupus erythematosus]], [[polymorphous light eruption]] | |||
| 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}} | {{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. | '''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== | ==Causes== | ||
Photodermatitis can be triggered by several factors: | Photodermatitis can be triggered by several factors: | ||
* '''Genetic factors''': Some individuals have a hereditary predisposition to photosensitivity, which can lead to photodermatitis. | * '''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. | * '''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. | * '''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. | * '''Plants''': Some plants, like [[lime]]s and [[parsnip]]s, contain compounds that can cause photodermatitis upon exposure to sunlight. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of photodermatitis can vary depending on the severity of the reaction and the underlying cause. Common symptoms include: | 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 | * Redness and inflammation of the skin | ||
* Itching or burning sensation | * Itching or burning sensation | ||
* Blisters or hives | * Blisters or hives | ||
* Peeling or flaking skin | * Peeling or flaking skin | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==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. | 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== | ||
Treatment for photodermatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further exposure to the triggering factors. Common treatments include: | 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. | * '''Topical corticosteroids''': These can reduce inflammation and itching. | ||
* '''Antihistamines''': These can help alleviate itching and discomfort. | * '''Antihistamines''': These can help alleviate itching and discomfort. | ||
* '''Avoidance of triggers''': Identifying and avoiding the substances or medications that cause the reaction is crucial. | * '''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. | * '''Sun protection''': Using broad-spectrum [[sunscreen]]s and wearing protective clothing can help prevent further reactions. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventing photodermatitis involves minimizing exposure to known triggers and protecting the skin from UV radiation. Strategies include: | 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 | * Wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats | ||
* Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high [[sun protection factor]] (SPF) | * Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high [[sun protection factor]] (SPF) | ||
* Avoiding known photosensitizing medications and chemicals | * Avoiding known photosensitizing medications and chemicals | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Photosensitivity]] | * [[Photosensitivity]] | ||
* [[Sunburn]] | * [[Sunburn]] | ||
* [[Dermatitis]] | * [[Dermatitis]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
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
| 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 |
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
