Patients with Photodermatitis

Patients with Photodermatitis Photodermatitis is a skin condition in which a person is allergic to ultraviolet rays. This develops when the immune system reacts to the UV rays. A patient may develop a rash, blisters, or scaly patches. Each person’s reaction will vary in severity, but in most cases the skin is simply allergic to the sun. This condition is often inherited, but it can also be as a result of medications. Photodermatitis, often referred to as sun poisoning, is not actually poisoning but rather an extreme allergic reaction to ultraviolet light.

Symptoms of Photodermatitis Itchy bumps or blisters, outbreaks on areas of skin exposed to sun, pain, redness and fever, and lesions on skin. Any of these symptoms could be an indication that this condition may exists. Testing from a health care provider can confirm the diagnosis. Once properly diagnosed, appropriate measures, such as protecting skin with clothing and sunscreen can help alleviate some symptoms.

Related: History of Nursing in the United States What Causes It? Photodermatitis can have several causes, including:  Diseases, such as lupus or eczema, that also make skin sensitive to light  Genetic or metabolic diseases or conditions  Diseases, such as polymorphic light eruptions, characterized by sensitivity to sunlight  Reactions to chemicals and medications In reaction to UV rays, certain chemicals and drugs can cause sunburn, an eczema-like reaction, or hives. The reaction may be related to an allergy, or it may be a direct toxic effect from the substance. Examples of substances or circumstances that may trigger one or the other type of reaction: Direct toxic effect:    

Antibiotics, such as tetracycline and sulfonamides Antifungals Retinoids, such as tretinoin and medications containing retinoic acid, used for acne Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

In the case of Photodermatitis being caused by the introduction of an outside agent, it can be temporary. This may improve once the contributing factors removed.

Severe cases of Photodermatitis Some children are born with a condition of photodermatitis, and the severity is such that no medication seems to be effective. In these situations, the child’s exposure to sun must be limited or at times eliminated. Although rare some children must avoid sunlight altogether. This can create a number of complications, one being that it limits the child’s social activity and normal outdoor playtime. Children with this extreme condition are unable to attend school or any outdoor functions during daytime hours. Some families literally turn their days around and have the children sleep during the day and stay up at night playing outdoors in order to get normal childhood playtime. In these cases windows must be blocked or heavy shaded heavily shaded, in order to prevent sunlight from coming in contact with the child skin.

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If a child with severe Photodermatitis comes in contact with ultraviolet light, the results can be very serious. A severe rash will develop, followed by swelling, and the swelling can include the neck and throat area, inhibiting breathing.

Treatments for Photodermatitis A new treatment for Photodermatitis is currently being explored and shows promising results. This treatment is called phototherapy, and is based on a controlled exposure to light in order to desensitize skin along with controlling the symptoms. A physician will order treatments with limited ultraviolet light exposure to scan for minimal times, with times increasing on each visit. The optimal in result will be that skin is desensitized and able to endure normal times of ultraviolet light.

Prevention For adults with Photodermatitis, it can also be prevented by the discovery of what is causing skin condition. A number of factors can cause the sensitivity beginning with sunscreen, be sure to use a sunscreen that is PABA free. You should also limit your time in the sun between the hours of 11AM and 2 PM in the sun is that high hottest. It’s also very important to always avoid tanning beds and sunlamps Although there is no actual cure for Photodermatitis, it often does disappear.

If the cause of the condition is an allergy such as sensitivity to lotions,

sunscreen, or soap, this can be eliminated. For adults, they can be reduced by limiting sun exposure during the day hours, wearing appropriate sunscreen, and covering exposed skin with UV protective clothing. Wearing a hat with a large rim can prevent sun exposure on the facial area were Photodermatitis often originates. This condition can be difficult at any age but is especially hard for children, and for families with young children.

Studies are currently underway to learn more about this condition with the hopes of eliminating at least severe cases in the future.

It is important to note that Photodermatitis can be serious and may affect the risk of skin cancer.

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