Drug-induced photosensitivity

Robert S Dawe; Sally H Ibbotson

doi:10.1016/j.det.2014.03.014

Drug-induced photosensitivity

Dermatol Clin. 2014 Jul;32(3):363-8, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2014.03.014.

Authors

Robert S Dawe¹, Sally H Ibbotson²

Affiliations

¹ Photobiology Unit, Department of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK. Electronic address: r.s.dawe@dundee.ac.uk.
² Photobiology Unit, Department of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK.

PMID: 24891058
DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2014.03.014

Abstract

Drug-induced photosensitivity is common. The principal mechanism of systemic drug photosensitivity is phototoxicity and the principal mechanism of topical drug photosensitivity is photoallergy. Photopatch testing is helpful to determine suspected topical agent photoallergies (eg, from ultraviolet filters in sunscreens) but generally not helpful in detecting systemic drug photosensitivity. Drug-induced photosensitivity is usually best managed by stopping the suspected drug. Other measures, including phototherapy using wavelengths that do not elicit the response, are sometimes necessary.

Keywords: Drug; Photoallergy; Photosensitivity; Phototoxicity; Xenobiotic.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Global Health
Humans
Incidence
Patch Tests
Photosensitivity Disorders* / chemically induced
Photosensitivity Disorders* / diagnosis
Photosensitivity Disorders* / epidemiology
Skin / drug effects
Skin / radiation effects