Photodermatitis is an abnormal skin response to ultraviolet (UV) rays,
particularly sunlight. It can be acute or chronic. UV rays are classified by
wavelength and the greater the wavelength, the greater the risk of developing
photodermatitis. UVB rays range from 290 to 320 nm and may cause sunburn,
tanning, aging, or cancer-causing changes to the skin. UVA rays range from 320
to 400 nm and may cause reactions to light even through window glass. Ninety
percent of the UV radiation from sunlight comes from UVA rays, 10% from UVB.
Photoreactions from UV rays depend upon the amount of light reaching the earth.
This is influenced by the season or time of year, latitude, thickness of the
ozone layer, and topography.
Signs and Symptoms
Itchy bumps, blisters, or raised areas
Lesions that resemble eczema
Hyperpigmentation (darkened discoloration compared to one's normal
skin tone)
Outbreaks in areas of skin exposed to light
Pain, redness, and swelling
Chills, headache, fever, and nausea
Less severe symptoms after repeated
exposure
What Causes It?
Certain chemical agents and drugs may predispose an individual to sunburn, an
eczema-like reaction, or hives in reaction to UV rays. In the United States
alone, there are more than 115 chemical agents and drugs that are ingested or
applied to the skin that may elicit photodermatitis. The reaction may be related
to an allergy or it may be a direct toxic effect from the substance. Below are
examples of agents or circumstances that may trigger one or the other type of
reaction:
Direct toxic effect:
Tetracycline and sulfonamides, medications used for bacterial
infections
Griseofulvin, used for fungal infections
Coal tar derivatives and psoralens, such as methoxsalen and
trioxsalen, used for psoriasis
Tretinoin and other medications containing retinoic acid used for acne
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as
piroxicam
Chemotherapy agents used to treat cancer, such as 5-fluorouracil and
vinblastine
Sulfonylureas, such as glyburide and glipizide, oral medications used
for diabetes
Quinine and other medications used to treat malaria
Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide
Desipramine and other medications used for depression (known as
tricylics)
Phenothiazines, a class of medications used for psychosis
Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam and tetrazepam, medications used
for anxiety disorders
Allergic reactions:
Fragrances containing, for example, musk ambrette and
methylcoumarin
Sunscreens with p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) esters
Industrial cleaners that contain
salicylanilide
Photodermatitis may also result from some immune-related disorders such as
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or certain states of nutrient deficiencies,
including pellagra, which is caused by niacin (vitamin B3)
deficiency.
Who's Most At Risk?
Skin type may influence the likelihood of a photodermatitis reaction.
Those with fair to light skin, or those with red or blond hair, and green or
blue eyes tend to be most sensitive, regardless of their racial or ethnic
background. This is categorized as skin type I.
Exposure to UV rays for 30 minutes to several hours increases risk of
photodermatitis (outbreaks in spring and summer months are common)
Exposure to UV rays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. also increases risk of
photodermatitis since 50% of UV radiation is emitted during this
time.
What to Expect at Your Provider's Office
A physical exam and a detailed history of exposure to sensitizers (see
section entitled What Causes It?) and UV rays are important for
diagnosis. A review of all body systems, including blood and urine tests, helps
detect any related disease. Allergy tests may help identify substances that
trigger or worsen the condition.
Treatment Options
Prevention
These measures may help prevent photodermatitis:
Limit skin exposure to sun, especially intense midday sun.
Use sunscreens that protect against UVA and have a sun protection
factor (SPF) of 30 to 50.
Cover up with a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a wide-brimmed
hat.
Beware of using any product that causes sun sensitivity. (If you are
already taking a prescription medication, however, do not stop taking it without
consulting your healthcare provider.)
Treatment Plan
For blisters or weepy eruptions, apply cool, wet dressings. With certain
types of photodermatitis, doctors may actually use phototherapy (controlled
exposure to light for treatment purposes) to desensitize the skin or to help
control symptoms.
Drug Therapies
For extremely sensitive patients, doctors may prescribe azathioprine to
suppress the immune system. Short-term use of glucocorticoids may help control
eruptions. For those who cannot be treated with phototherapy, doctors may
prescribe hydroxychloroquine, thalidomide, beta-carotene, or nicotinamide (see
section entitled Nutrition for details regarding the latter two).
Note: Thalidomide causes severe birth defects and therefore should never
be used by women who either are or wish to become pregnant.
Complementary and Alternative
Therapies
Nutrition
Particular nutritional deficiencies can contribute to photosensitivity.
Pellagra, for example, is caused by a niacin deficiency. Recent research results
suggest that antioxidant nutrients, including beta-carotene, may help lessen the
severity of photodermatitis.
Beta-carotene and Other Carotenoids: Despite the fact that
beta-carotene is considered part of standard treatment for photodermatitis, the
results of studies regarding this supplement have been mixed. One study of the
effect of beta-carotene supplements on sunburns in humans showed no significant
protection. In another trial, though, 20 healthy subjects received either
carotenoids alone, mainly from beta-carotene, or carotenoids plus vitamin E.
Both groups improved significantly. Vitamin E did not appear to add to the
benefits of the carotenoids alone.
Fish Oil/Omega-3 Fatty Acids: In one study, 13 patients with a
particular type of photodermatitis received supplements of fish oil, which
contains omega-3 fatty acids, for three months. Tests afterward showed that the
patients were significantly less sensitive to UV rays. Similarly, case reports
of three children with hydroa vacciniforme, a rare scarring photosensitivity
disorder, found that omega-3 supplements lessened symptoms for two of the three
children. Photosensitive patients could consider eating a diet rich in omega-3
fatty acids, such as from cold water fish.
Protein: Actinic prurigo, a form of photosensitivity marked by
ongoing outbreaks of itchy bumps during hot weather, is seen mainly in
malnourished individuals. Research suggests that the condition is related to a
diet deficient in protein or a specific amino acid (the building blocks of
protein). Patients treated with a high-protein diet have improved but tend to
relapse a few weeks after returning to their standard diet.
Vitamin B3: Nicotinamide (a form of niacin, or
vitamin B3) may make a photosensitive reaction less likely. In a
pilot study, 42 people with photodermatitis were given nicotinamide; despite
extensive sun exposure, 25 of these people did not develop
lesions.
Vitamins C and E: Antioxidants, including vitamins C and E,
help remove free radicals, harmful by-products that result from cells' use and
generation of energy. Free radicals are linked to skin damage. Oral supplements
of vitamins C and E seem to work together to possibly reduce UV-induced skin
reactions.
Vitamin D: In animal studies, vitamin D helped trigger the
effects of an antioxidant protein found in skin cells of rats. This protein
helps to protect against damage from UVB rays. It is not clear yet whether
vitamin D supplements may help protect humans in the same
way.
Herbs
Green Tea: The antioxidant properties in green tea (Camellia
sinensis) may provide protection against reddening of the skin caused by UV
light. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an active component of green tea has
demonstrated photoprotection in animal studies. In a human study, tests on skin
samples showed that EGCG does not block the absorption of UVB light but it does
appear to inhibit redness, some cell damage, and other changes normally
associated with UVB rays.
Calendula: Although not studied scientifically, this herb has
been used clinically for skin conditions including sunburn. It may also be used
as a homeopathic remedy at doses consistent with that kind of therapy.
Similar to photosensitizing medications, certain herbs can trigger
photodermatitis; such herbs include St. John's wort (Hypericum
perforatum), angelica seed or root (Angelica archangelica), celery
stems (Apium graveolens), rue (Rutae folium), and lime oil/peel (
Citrus aurantifolia).
Homeopathy
While scientific studies of homeopathy specifically addressing
photodermatitis have not been conducted to date, individual reports suggest that
homeopathic remedies may be a useful adjunct for the prevention and treatment of
photodermatitis. An experienced homeopath considers each individual case and may
recommend treatments tailored to address both the underlying condition and any
current symptoms.
Prognosis/Possible Complications
Most photosensitivity reactions go away on their own and cause no permanent
harm. However, symptoms can be severe when associated with a systemic disorder
or when the exposure has been severe. Some photosensitivity reactions can
continue for years after exposure ends.
Complications may include:
Ongoing photosensitivity, resulting in chronic
photodermatitis
Hyperpigmentation or dark discoloration compared to normal skin tone
even after inflammation has resolved
Premature aging of the skin
Squamous cell or basal cell skin cancer or
melanoma
Following Up
Patients who need steroids to treat photosensitivity reactions must be
monitored closely. In addition, anyone with a history of photodermatitis or
photoreactivity should keep track of the frequency and duration of symptoms.
This information can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
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Review Date: December 2000
Reviewed By: Participants in the review process include: Robert A. Anderson, MD,
President, American Board of Holistic Medicine, East Wenatchee, WA; Constance
Grauds, RPh, President, Association of Natural Medicine Pharmacists, San Rafael,
CA; Jacqueline A. Hart, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley
Hospital, Harvard University and Senior Medical Editor Integrative Medicine,
Boston, MA; Leonard Wisneski, MD, FACP, George Washington University, Rockville,
MD.
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