Auto-immune Photodermatoses Part I – Pathogenesis and Diagnosis

  • Virginia Coelho de Sousa Serviço de Dermatologia, Hospital Santo António dos Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
  • Rita Ramos Pinheiro Serviço de Dermatologia, Hospital Santo António dos Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
  • Filipa Rocha Páris Serviço de Dermatologia, Hospital Santo António dos Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
  • Margarida Apetato Serviço de Dermatologia, Hospital Santo António dos Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
  • Gabriela Marques Pinto Serviço de Dermatologia, Hospital Santo António dos Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
Keywords: Dermatitis, Photoallergic/diagnosis, Photoallergic/etiology, Immune System, Photosensitivity Disorders/ diagnosis, Photosensitivity Disorders/etiology, Ultraviolet Rays

Abstract

The autoimmune photodermatoses are a group of heterogeneous idiopathic dermatoses physiopathologically characterized by underexplored immune mechanisms, usually involving an immune reaction against an unknown antigen. This group includes five different clinical entities – polymorphous light eruption, actinic prurigo, hydroa vacciniforme, chronic actinic dermatitis, solar urticaria - some potentially severe with great impact in patients’ quality of life. The pathogenesis of the autoimmune photodermatosis seems to be realated with the formation of photoallergens in response to sunlight. The hypersensibility mechanism varies between the different diseases. The diagnosis depends on the recognition of the clinical presentation. Phototests confirm the diagnosis and allow the determination of the responsible radiation and limiar dose of induction. In an era where photodermatology has been losing its importance, we propose to revise the pathogenesis and diagnosis of autoimmune photodermatoses.

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Published
2018-01-26
How to Cite
Coelho de Sousa, V., Ramos Pinheiro, R., Rocha Páris, F., Apetato, M., & Marques Pinto, G. (2018). Auto-immune Photodermatoses Part I – Pathogenesis and Diagnosis. Journal of the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology, 75(4), 357-368. https://doi.org/10.29021/spdv.75.4.876
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