photosensitivity disease

Photosensitivity Disease: A Description

Photosensitivity, also known as photodermatoses, refers to various symptoms, diseases, and conditions caused or exacerbated by exposure to sunlight [1]. This condition can manifest in different ways, making it essential to understand its characteristics.

Types of Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity is classified into five categories:

• Primary photodermatosis: A type of photosensitivity that occurs without any underlying medical condition.
• Exogenous photodermatosis: Caused by external factors such as medications, cosmetics, or environmental substances.
• Photo-exacerbated dermatoses: Conditions that are worsened by exposure to sunlight.
• Metabolic photodermatosis: Related to metabolic disorders or conditions.
• Genetic photodermatosis: Inherited conditions that affect the skin's response to sunlight.

Symptoms and Characteristics

A doctor may suspect a photosensitivity reaction when a rash appears only in areas exposed to sunlight [2]. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of photosensitivity, but common characteristics include:

• Rashes or patches on the skin
• Itching or burning sensations
• Redness or inflammation
• Blisters or bumps

Diseases Related to Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity is associated with various diseases and conditions, including:

• Actinic folliculitis: A dermatosis characterized by small, raised bumps on the skin [4].
• Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE): A condition more common in Black people, causing patches of small bumps or rashes [5].
• Photoallergy and phototoxicity: Reactions to certain substances that cause skin irritation.
• Solar urticaria: A rare condition where the skin reacts to sunlight with hives or itchy rashes.

Commonality and Prevalence

Photosensitivity disorders occur in both individuals with lightly pigmented and heavily pigmented skin [5]. According to a study, polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) was more common in Black people, while photoallergy and phototoxicity were diagnosed more frequently in other populations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, photosensitivity is a complex condition that can manifest in various ways. Understanding its types, symptoms, and associated diseases is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect you have photosensitivity or are experiencing symptoms, consult a medical professional for proper evaluation and care.

References:

[1] Context 1 [2] Context 2 [4] Context 4 [5] Context 5

Photosensitivity Disease: Signs and Symptoms

Photosensitivity, also known as sun allergy or photodermatosis, is a condition where the skin reacts abnormally to sunlight. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Exaggerated skin rash or sunburn: This is the most common symptom of photosensitivity, which can range from mild redness to severe blistering.
• Itching or pain: Some people may experience itching or pain in the affected areas, similar to a sunburn.
• Red patches or bumps: Photosensitivity can cause painful, red patches or itchy, red bumps on the skin.
• Flu-like symptoms: In some cases, photosensitivity can lead to flu-like symptoms, such as fever and fatigue.
• Blistering skin: Severe cases of photosensitivity can result in blistering skin, similar to second-degree burns.

Factors that Influence Symptoms

The severity and type of symptoms experienced by individuals with photosensitivity can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Skin color: People with fair skin are more susceptible to photosensitivity.
• Type of photosensitivity reaction: There are different types of photosensitivity reactions, each with its unique set of symptoms.
• Duration of sun exposure: The longer the duration of sun exposure, the more severe the symptoms may be.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe blistering or burns
• Difficulty breathing
• Swollen face or lips
• Rash that spreads beyond the exposed area

It's essential to consult a doctor if you suspect you have photosensitivity. They can help diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

References: [1] (2) [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]

Photosensitivity diseases can be diagnosed through various diagnostic tests, which help medical practitioners determine the specific type and cause of the condition.

Diagnostic Tests for Photosensitivity Diseases

Several diagnostic tests are used to diagnose photosensitivity diseases, including:

• Phototesting: This test involves exposing small areas of skin to measured amounts of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light. It helps determine how the skin reacts to different types of light [4][5].
• Photopatch testing: This test is similar to phototesting but uses a patch test to see if any substances cause an allergic reaction or photosensitivity [7][8].
• Laboratory investigations: These tests can help formulate a diagnosis in patients with photosensitivity. They may include porphyrin screens (blood, urine, faeces) and other tests to rule out underlying conditions [6].
• Clinical rechallenge: If a medication is suspected as the cause of photosensitivity, diagnostic tests such as phototesting, photopatch testing, and clinical rechallenge can be completed to determine if the patient reacts to the medication [7].

Other Diagnostic Criteria

In addition to these tests, other diagnostic criteria may be used to diagnose specific types of photosensitivity diseases. For example:

• Chronic photosensitivity: This is diagnosed based on a comprehensive history, physical examination, phototesting, and laboratory evaluation [13].
• Polymorphous light eruption: Diagnosis is made by history, skin findings, and exclusion of other sun-sensitivity disorders. Phototesting may be used to reproduce the lesions when the patient is not using any potentially photosensitizing drugs [12].

References

[4] Context 4: Ultraviolet (UV) light testing. [5] Context 5: Phototesting. A specialist in skin conditions (dermatologist) exposes small areas of your skin to measured amounts of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) ... [6] Context 6: Laboratory investigations can help formulate a diagnosis in patients with photosensitivity. [7] Context 7: If a medication is the suspected cause, diagnostic tests, including phototesting, photopatch testing and clinical rechallenge can be completed to determine if ... [8] Context 8: by AJ Jiang · 2020 · Cited by 16 — Phototesting, provocative light testing, and photopatch testing can provide important information in diagnosing patients with photodermatoses. [12] Context 12: Diagnosis of polymorphous light eruption is made by history, skin findings, and exclusion of other sun-sensitivity disorders. Diagnosis sometimes requires reproduction of the lesions with phototesting when the patient is not using any potentially photosensitizing drugs. [13] Context 13: The systematic evaluation of photosensitive patients involves a comprehensive history, physical examination, phototesting, and, if necessary, photopatch testing and laboratory evaluation.

Treatment Options for Photosensitivity Disease

Photosensitivity disease, also known as photodermatosis, can be treated in various ways depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some treatment options:

• Sun protection: The most effective way to manage photosensitivity is to avoid exposure to sunlight or use protective measures such as clothing, hats, and sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) [2].
• Medications: Treatment of photosensitive eruptions may involve the use of medications such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching [7]. In some cases, antihistamines may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms [8].
• Hydroxychloroquine: This medication is sometimes used to treat photosensitivity reactions, especially in patients with autoimmune disorders. However, it's essential to continue treatment even after leaving the infected region to prevent relapses [4].
• Management of underlying disorder: Treatment of photosensitivity often involves addressing the underlying condition or disease that triggered the reaction. For example, if a medication is causing phototoxicity, stopping or adjusting the dosage may be necessary [3].

Prevention

To prevent photosensitivity reactions:

• Avoid exposure to sunlight or use protective measures.
• Be aware of medications that can cause phototoxicity or photoallergies.
• Use sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply regularly.
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors.

References

[1] Classification of photosensitivity diseases into five categories: primary photodermatosis, exogenous photodermatosis, photo-exacerbated dermatoses, metabolic photodermatosis, and genetic photodermatosis [1]. [2] Sun protection as the most effective way to manage photosensitivity [2]. [3] Treatment of photosensitive eruptions may involve corticosteroids and antihistamines [7][8]. [4] Hydroxychloroquine treatment for photosensitivity reactions [4]. [5] Management of underlying disorder is essential in treating photosensitivity [3].

Differential Diagnosis of Photosensitivity Disease

Photosensitivity diseases, also known as photodermatoses, are conditions that cause an abnormal cutaneous response after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or visible light. The differential diagnosis of these diseases is crucial in identifying the underlying condition and providing appropriate treatment.

Common Differential Diagnoses:

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This is a type of skin reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, such as a chemical or plant.
• Drug Eruptions: Certain medications can cause skin reactions, including photosensitivity.
• Epidermolysis Bullosa: A group of rare genetic disorders that affect the skin and mucous membranes.
• Phototoxic Reactions: These occur when certain chemicals or drugs interact with sunlight to cause a skin reaction.

Other Differential Diagnoses:

• Airborne Contact Dermatitis: This occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen in the air, such as pollen or dust.
• Chronic Actinic Dermatitis (CAD): A condition that causes photoensitivity and eczematous rashes on exposed skin.
• Dermatomyositis: An inflammatory disease that affects the skin and muscles.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause skin, joint, and organ problems.

Investigations and Phototesting:

In some cases, phototesting may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. This involves exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of light to assess the reaction. Additional investigations, such as blood tests or biopsies, may also be required to rule out other conditions.

References:

• [6] Sep 18, 2020 — Differential diagnoses of photosensitivity include allergic contact dermatitis, drug eruptions, epidermolysis bullosa, and more.
• [9] The differential diagnosis of photosensitivity dermatitis also includes airborne contact dermatitis. In such cases, only the exposed skin may be affected but ...
• [11] Contact photosensitivity may occur with plants, perfumes, and sunscreens ... Includes systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis.
• [12] The purpose of this focused review is to provide an update on the diagnosis and management of a variety of photodermatoses, both common and less common, with review of recent updates in the literature pertaining to their diagnosis and management. ... Diagnosis, Differential Drug Hypersensitivity / diagnosis ... Photosensitivity Disorders ...
• [13] Their differential diagnosis is problematic not only because of similar phenotypes, but also because of confusing nomenclature and classification.