Photosensitivity
A rash confined to sun exposed areas (eg nose, forehead, cheeks, ears, V of neck , back of hands) should invoke suspicion of a photosensitive condition.
1. Polymorphic light eruption- common. Urticarial type reaction. The onset is within hours or days of exposure and usually settles untreated within a few weeks. Topical and oral steroids are helpful in the acute phase. Desensitising phototherapy during the Spring months is sometimes used for more severe cases.
2. Lupus erythematosus.
3. Photosensitivity to drugs eg: Phenothiazines, Amiodarone, Quinine, Thiazides, Tetracyclines, Sulphonamides, NSAIDs.
4. Sunlight aggravation of longstanding endogenous eczema – chronic actinic dermatitis.
5. Exposure contact dermatitis may mimic photosensitivity. Allergens include fragrance, chrysanthemums and other plant species.
For details of sun avoidance and protection see Patent Information pages.