Photodermatitis


What is Photodermatitis?

Photodermatitis is an acute or chronic inflammation; also known as sun poisoning, sun allergy or sun burn. It is a unique form of contact allergic dermatitis in the sense that the allergen that causes it does not produce the clinical manifestations, until such time that the skin is being exposed to sunlight to be activated and form a skin rash, blisters or some form of scaly patches.

photodermatitis images 6

The succeeding exposures to the sun may result to photoallergic skin reactions which can be eczematous in nature. Individuals may die in very rare cases with treatment failure.

There are four categories of Photodermatitis :

Exogenous chemical or drug reactions

These are the phototoxic and photoallergic reactions wherein the photosensitizers are being ingested or topically applied on the skin.


Idiopathic photodermatoses

These includes the polymorphic light eruptions, chronic actini dermatitis, actinic prurigo and solar urticaria, with an unknown photosensitization reaction.

Metabolic or genetic photodermatoses

The examples here are pellagra, xeroderma pigmentosum and variegate porphyria; the photosensitizer is being formed and deposited in the skin.

Systemic and cutaneous diseases

These are exacerbated by an exposure to UV rays of the sun; examples are acne, eczema, systemic lupus erythematosus, herpes simplex and roseaca.

Signs and Symptoms

The associated signs and symptoms will be remarkable after undue sun exposure with the relative sensitivity of the skin to the UV rays of the sun. The main symptom of photodermatitis is the red itchy rash found on the skin, which looks like blisters, with peeling of the skin. These can be seen on areas where topical or chemical creams are being applied. The general signs and symptoms are as follows:

  • Itchy, scaly, blisters, or raised areas
  • Lesions that appears like an eczema
  • Hyperpigmented discoloration of the skin
  • Outbreaks in areas of skin which are overexposed to UV light
  • Pain, erythema, and swelling in affected areas
  • Chills, headache, fever, and nausea may occur
  • Long-term effects include chronic skin thickening and scarring and an increased risk of skin cancer, if the cause is hereditary in characteristics.

Causes of Photodermatitis

Every person varies in terms of reactions to allergens with its vulnerability to sun light. It is believed that a lot of medications and conditions can trigger sun sensitivity. These conditions may include photosensitivity which is genetic or metabolic in nature or an exposure to some plants that the patient is sensitive with.

The causes for Photodermatitis can be classified as follows:

Phototoxic

  • Skin is sensitive to UV rays
  • Content of substances or chemicals taken or used predisposes the skin to be more sensitive to UV light.
  • This is seen within few minutes to hours after an exposure to the triggering substance.
  • Examples of substances which can create direct toxic effects are antibiotics, antifungals, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-malarial drugs, chemotherapeutic agents, diuretics, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs.

Photoallergic

  • These are the after effects being noted after being exposed to sunlight and at the same time taking substances or chemicals that leads to the reaction; examples are fragrances, drugs, sunscreens and industrial cleaners.
  • The immunologic reaction is not noted within 1 to 3 days of contact with the triggering factor.

Polymorphous light eruptions (PLE)

  • This is the occurrence of red itchy rash on the skin, either in the form of hives or vesicles.
  • This occurs mostly during spring time or summer with increased episodes of sunlight exposure during some activities.

Immunologic diseases

  • These include systemic lupus erythematosus, solar urticarial, pellagra; these conditions may induce the occurrence of photodermatitis or be worsened by an exposure to UV rays of the sun.

Treatment

Methods of prevention

The best treatment for the disease is the observation of preventive measures from having the disease condition to occur.  The person has to limit sun exposure, especially the midday sunlight as this can trigger the situation.

If there are certain medications being prescribed, it is best to ask the attending physician if it’s safe to take them. It is advisable to wear masks and gloves if house cleansers can be an irritant to the skin. The use of hypoallergenic beauty products are a bit expensive but they are safer to use for those with very sensitive skin.

Treatment guide

The application of cool, wet dressings are found helpful to relieve blisters or any skin eruptions due to UV exposure. Phototherapy is recommended by some attending physicians to patients in order to desensitize the skin or to minimize the symptoms.

Medications

Physicians may advise the following drugs:

  • Glucocorticoids to limit skin eruptions
  • Azathioprine for those who are extremely sensitive to UVR
  • Nicotinamide or thalidomide for those who cannot use phototherapy as treatment

Alternative therapies

  • Use of nutrition and supplements
  • Use of common herbs available, paying attention to contraindicated herbs
  • Homeopathy approach to patients by a trained professional

Pictures

photodermatitis images

photodermatitis pictures 2

photodermatitis pictures 3

photodermatitis pictures 4

photodermatitis

References

  1. Signs and Symptoms, What Causes It?, Who is Most At Risk?, What to Expect at Your Provider’s Office, Treatment Options, Prognosis/Possible Complications at http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000155
  2. Photodermatitis : Signs and Symptoms, Complementary and Alternative Therapies, Herbs, Homeopathy, Prognosis/Possible Complications, Supporting Research at http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/photodermatitis
  3. Skin Disorders, Photodermatitis -> Overview, Definition, Etiology Risk Factors, Signs and Symptom,s Differential Diagnosis, Diagnosis, Physical Examination, Pathology/Pathophysiology, Laboratory Tests at http://www.syrianclinic.com/med/en/ProfConditions/SkinDisordersPhotodermatitispc.html
  4. Chen YA, Lee JY. Clinicopathologic study of solar dematitis, a pinpoint papular variant of polymorphous light eruption in Taiwan, and review of the literature. J Formos Med Assoc. 2013;112(3):125-30.
  5. Heinrich U, Neukam K, Tronnier H, Sies H, Stahl W. Long-term ingestion of high flavanol cocoa provides photoprotection against UV-induced erythema and improves skin condition in women. J Nutr. 2006 Jun;136(6):1565-9
  6. Rodriguez E, Valbuena MC, Rey M, Porras de Quintana L. 2006. Causal agents of photoallergic contact dermatitis diagnosed in the national institute of dermatology of Colombia. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 22(4): 189-192.

Related Posts

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    In addition, nystatin works with no side effects, though it can cause a pseudo sickness that patients often confuse with side effects buy cheap clomid online when you do so, you upset the delicate balance of your intestinal terrain buy cheap antibiotics online. In addition, nystatin works with no side effects, though it can cause a pseudo sickness that patients often confuse with side effects buy prednisone without prescription check and causes them to produce nutrients such as the b vitamins where to buy gabapentin in fact, i con-tend that poisons that kill small organisms in small doses. In addition, nystatin works with no side effects, though it can cause a pseudo sickness that patients often confuse with side effects where to buy cytotec the researchers based their rankings on the amount of a given antibiotic required to kill half of the lab mice injected with it buy azithromycin no prescription. In addition, nystatin works with no side effects, though it can cause a pseudo sickness that patients often confuse with side effects buy neurontin online fat cattle sell for more than thin cattle.