Photodermatitis

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Photodermatitis
Classification and external resources
An image of a patch of sun poisoning on the left forearm.
ICD-10	L57.8
ICD-9	692.79
DiseasesDB	24609
MeSH	D010787

Photoallergy is a form of allergic contact dermatitis in which the allergen must be activated by light to sensitize the allergic response, and to cause a rash or other systemic effects on subsequent exposure. The second and subsequent exposures produce photoallergic skin conditions which are often eczematous.

Contents 1 Causes 2 Symptoms 3 Prevention 4 Foods and treatment 5 References

[edit] Causes

Many medications and conditions can cause sun sensitivity, including:

• psoralens, coal tars, photo-active dyes (eosin, acridine orange)
• musk ambrette, methylcoumarin, lemon oil (may be present in fragrances)
• PABA (found in sunscreens)
• salicylanilide (found in industrial cleaners)
• St John's Wort, used to treat clinical depression
• Hexachlorophene (found in some ℞ antibacterial soaps)
• Contact with sap from Giant Hogweed. Common Rue (Ruta graveolins) is another phototoxic plant commonly found in gardens.
• Tetracycline antibiotics
• NSAIDs.
• Fluoroquinolone antibiotic: Sparfloxacin in 2% of cases.
• Amiodarone, used to treat atrial fibrillation
• Pellagra

Photodermatitis can also be caused by plants. This is called phytophotodermatitis.

• Lime Oil

[edit] Symptoms

May result in swelling, a burning sensation, a red itchy rash sometimes resembling small blisters, and peeling of the skin. Nausea may also occur. There may also be blotches of large to small areas where the itching may persist for long periods of time. In these areas an unsightly orange to brown tint may form, usually near or on the face.

[edit] Prevention

Prevention includes avoiding exposure to the sun:

• Stay inside during the brightest hours of the day, from noon to 3 p.m.
• Cover up: wear long sleeves, slacks, and a wide-brimmed hat whenever harsh exposure is probable. Remember that cloud cover does not provide protection from UV rays.
• Avoid chemicals that may trigger a reaction (do not, however, stop taking medication without consulting a doctor).
• Wear sunscreen^[1] at least factor 30 with a high UVA protection level.

[edit] Foods and treatment

The following foods or treatment may also help:

• Beta Carotene - found in carrots, not proven to be effective
• Omega-3 fatty acids - found in fish and flax seed
• Protein - will especially help individuals where malnutrition may be a contributing factor.
• Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E
• Green tea - antioxidants
• Calendula
• Aloe - external use
• If pellagra is the cause, niacin is the specific treatment

[edit] References

v • d • e Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (integumentary system) (L, 680-709) Infections Bacterial skin disease Staphylococcus (Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, Impetigo, Boil, Carbuncle) · Strep (Impetigo) · Corynebacterium (Erythrasma) Viral skin disease Wart · Molluscum contagiosum · Erythema infectiosum · Exanthema subitum · Herpes simplex (Herpetic whitlow, Eczema herpeticum) General Cellulitis (Paronychia) · Acute lymphadenitis · Pilonidal cyst · Pimple (Pustule) Bullous disorders acantholysis (Pemphigus, Transient acantholytic dermatosis) · Pemphigoid (Bullous, Cicatricial, Gestational) · Dermatitis herpetiformis Inflammatory Dermatitis and eczema Atopic dermatitis · Seborrhoeic dermatitis (Dandruff, Cradle cap) · Contact dermatitis (Diaper rash, Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis) · Erythroderma · Lichen simplex chronicus/Prurigo nodularis · Itch (Pruritus ani, Pruritus scroti, Pruritus vulvae) · Nummular dermatitis · Dyshidrosis · Pityriasis alba Papulosquamous disorders Psoriasis (Psoriatic arthritis) · Parapsoriasis (Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, Pityriasis lichenoides chronica, Lymphomatoid papulosis) · other pityriasis (Pityriasis rosea, Pityriasis rubra pilaris) · other lichenoid (Lichen planus, Lichen nitidus) Urticaria Dermatographic urticaria · Cold urticaria · Cholinergic urticaria · Solar urticaria Erythema Erythema multiforme/ drug eruption Stevens-Johnson syndrome · Toxic epidermal necrolysis · Erythema nodosum  · Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis Other erythema Erythema annulare centrifugum · Erythema marginatum · Keratolytic winter erythema · Necrolytic migratory erythema · Erythema toxicum Radiation-related disorders Sunburn · actinic rays (Actinic keratosis, Actinic cheilitis) · Polymorphous light eruption (Acne aestivalis) · Radiodermatitis · Erythema ab igne Pigmentation/ Dyschromia hypopigmentation (Albinism, Vitiligo) · hyperpigmentation (Melasma, Freckle, Café au lait spot, Lentigo/Liver spot, Acanthosis nigricans, Acral acanthotic anomaly) Other skin keratosis/hyperkeratosis (Seborrheic keratosis, Callus) · other epidermal thickening (Ichthyosis acquisita, Palmoplantar keratoderma) skin ulcer (Pyoderma gangrenosum, Bedsore) Cutaneous Markers of Internal Malignancy (Florid cutaneous papillomatosis, acanthosis nigricans, sign of Leser-Trelat) atrophic (Lichen sclerosus, Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans) necrobiosis (Granuloma annulare, Necrobiosis lipoidica) · other granuloma (Granuloma faciale, Pyogenic granuloma) cutaneous vasculitis (Livedoid vasculitis, Erythema elevatum diutinum) Connective tissues collagen disease: Keloid localized connective tissue disorders: Lupus erythematosus (Discoid lupus erythematosus, Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus) · Scleroderma/Morphea · Linear scleroderma · Calcinosis cutis · Sclerodactyly · Ainhum integument, SF, LCT navs: anat/physio, noncongen/congen/neoplasia, symptoms+signs/eponymous, proc

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