EXOGENOUS PHOTOSENSITIVITY – Clinical Aspects and Responsible Agents

  • David Serra Serviço de Dermatologia, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra
  • Felicidade Santiago Serviço de Dermatologia, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra
  • Margarida Gonçalo Serviço de Dermatologia, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra
  • Américo Figueiredo Serviço de Dermatologia, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra
Keywords: Photosensitivity, Photoallergy, Phototoxicity, Chromophore, Ultraviolet radiation

Abstract

Phototoxic and photoallergic reactions consist of sun-induced skin reactions in the presence of photoactive chemicals, applied directly on the skin or of systemic use. They have several distinct clinical presentations, including photocontact urticaria, eczema on sun exposed areas sometimes with erythema multiforme, exaggerated sunburn, phytophotodermatitis, pseudoporphyria, photo-onycholysis, dyschromia and lupus erythematosus. Furthermore, there is mounting evidence that exposure to photoactive chemicals contributes to cutaneous carcinogenesis. Besides their clinical heterogeneity, there is also a great diversity of causative agents, with striking geographical and temporal variations. The authors review the spectrum of clinical patterns and also major photosensitizers, including UV- -filters of sunscreens and cosmetics, vegetal furocoumarins and drugs (NSAIDs, antimicrobials, phenothiazines, amiodarone, among others).

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Published
2011-06-23
How to Cite
Serra, D., Santiago, F., Gonçalo, M., & Figueiredo, A. (2011). EXOGENOUS PHOTOSENSITIVITY – Clinical Aspects and Responsible Agents. Journal of the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology, 69(2), 171-188. https://doi.org/10.29021/spdv.69.2.603
Section
Continuous Medical Education

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