Photodermatitis
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| Photodermatitis | |
| Classification and external resources | |
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|---|---|
| An image of a patch of sun poisoning on the left forearm. | |
| ICD-10 | L57.8 |
| ICD-9 | 692.79 |
| DiseasesDB | 24609 |
| MeSH | D010787 |
Photodermatitis, or sometimes called by the nonscientific term sun poisoning, is a reaction of the skin to UV rays of the sun, or photoallergy. It may be caused by a medication that makes the skin more sensitive, a skin product (e.g. sunscreen containing PABA, certain fragrances), autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or a vitamin deficiency; also diseases such as porphyria and tyrosinemia. Doctors can determine the presence of the disorder through a photo test.
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.
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[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.
[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
- ^ AAD - The Sun and Your Skin, "Allergic Reactions" section
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