A Family Doctor's Tale - PHOTO DERMATITIS

DOC I HAVE PHOTO DERMATITIS

Photo Dermatitis is a common skin condition which presents as a erythematous or vesicular rash on face, neck, hands and other areas exposed to sunlight.

The cause of Photo Dermatitis is related to the exposure of the skin to the sun.
However some possible triggers are:
1.Genetic

Genes play a part in Photo Dermatitis as the condition runs in families

2.External causes

Photo sensitivity:certain exogenous sensitizers play a part in the development of Photo Dermatitis.

a.drugs such as phenothiazines, thiazides and tetracycline

b.cosmetic such as lipstick, perfumes, soaps, shaving cream, antiseptic creams, even sun screening agents (especially if they contain coal tar)

c.irritating chemicals which exaggerated the photosensitzing effect of the sun

d.sunburn reaciion which aggarvated the skin to react as rashes.

e.Photo allergic rash which persist for years

f. injury by ultraviolet light

g.feeling too hot and/or sweating will cause an outbreak.

h.Stress can also sometimes aggravate an existing flare-up.

Photo Dermatitis affects both sexes equally.

The symptoms and signs of Photo Dermatitis are:
Typical features of Photo Dermatitis are:

1.vesicular or bubbles in areas most exposed to light

2.erythrematous or red rashes in areas most exposed to light

3.some occurs following severe sunburn

4.some are seasonal with recurrance in early spring and summer

5.actinoid reticuloid skin rash affecting the face and hands are also seen in chronic photo dermatitis patients

Photo Dermatitis is  diagnosed by:
1.History and appearance of the rash

2.Photo patch testing

3.Determination of light wavelength causing photo dermatitis

Treatment of an Photo Dermatitis treatment routine is:
1. Avoid ultraviolet light especially long wave ultraviolet light

2. application of lotions or creams to protect the skin against the sun

3.chloroquine sulphate 200mg daily may be useful for some patients over short periods

4.application of nonprescription corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce inflammation
if the condition persists, worsens, or does not improve satisfactorily.

Hydrocotisone cream and ointment are preferred to prevent side effects such as skin thinning.

5.For severe flare-ups, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids (this treatment is not recommended for long-term use).

6.sedative antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the itch

Prognosis:

1.good to excellent in most cases with phot toxic eruptions

2.good to fair with photo allergic reactions

3.Some patients reacts persistently to light without exposure to an antigen.

Prevention of  Photo Dermatitis is by:
Photo Dermatitis outbreaks can usually be avoided with some simple precautions.

The following suggestions may help to reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups when exposed to the sun:

1.use sun screen

2.Avoid drugs or cosmetics which can trigger off photo dermatitis

3.Avoid sweating or overheating

4.Reduce stress

5.Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents

6.Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander)

7.Be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods