Update on treatment of photodermatosis

Dermatol Online J. 2016 Feb 17;22(2):13030/qt1rx7d228.

Abstract

Photodermatoses are a group of skin conditions associated with an abnormal reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are several of the photosensitive rashes which mainly affect the UV exposed areas of the skin. It can be classified into four groups: immunology mediated photodermatoses, chemical and drug induced photosensitivity, photoaggravated dermatoses, and genetic disorders. A systematic approach including history, physical examination, phototesting, photopatch testing, and laboratory tests are important in diagnosis of a photodermatosis patient. In order to optimally treat a disease of photodermatoses, we need to consider which treatment offers the most appropriate result in each disease, such as sunscreens, systemic medication, topical medication, phototherapy, and others. For all groups of photodermatoses, photoprotection is one of the essential parts of management. Photoprotection, which includes sunscreening and wearing photoprotective clothing, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses, is important. There are also promising emerging photoprotective agents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Mycophenolic Acid / therapeutic use
  • PUVA Therapy*
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / classification
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / etiology
  • Sunscreening Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Thalidomide / therapeutic use
  • beta Carotene / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Antioxidants
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Sunscreening Agents
  • beta Carotene
  • Thalidomide
  • Mycophenolic Acid