Drug-induced photoallergic and phototoxic reactions

Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2007 Jul;6(4):431-43. doi: 10.1517/14740338.6.4.431.

Abstract

Drug-induced photosensitivity involves reactions to medication triggered by exposure of the skin to ultraviolet light. Medications that trigger reactions can be topical or oral. Following interaction of ultraviolet radiation with a chemical present in sufficient amounts in the skin, one of the several reactions may occur in susceptible patients, most commonly photoallergy or phototoxicity. These reactions can be diagnosed separately based on pathogenesis, clinical characteristics and histopathology. Phototoxic disorders have a higher incidence than photoallergic disorders. The action spectra for most photoallergens and phototoxins lie in the ultraviolet A range. Subtypes of drug-induced photosensitivity include dyschromia, pseudoporphyria, photo onycholysis, and lichenoid and telangiectatic reactions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / adverse effects*
  • Animals
  • Dermatitis, Photoallergic / diagnosis*
  • Dermatitis, Photoallergic / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Photoallergic / pathology
  • Dermatitis, Phototoxic / diagnosis*
  • Dermatitis, Phototoxic / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Phototoxic / pathology
  • Humans
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / etiology
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / pathology
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects

Substances

  • Allergens