Definition:
Photosensitivities are people are sensitive to sunlight.
Diagnosis:
Photosensitivity may produce a rash, which is known by the general term, photodermatosis.
Treatment:
There are two basic ways of protecting your skin from the damaging effects of UVR:
Block out most light with an opaque material such as sun protective clothing. Dark colored and densely woven
fabric is more effective. Wear shirts with high collar and long sleeves, trousers or a long skirt, socks and shoes,
a wide-brimmed hat and if possible also wear gloves. Some clothes are now labeled with UPF, the sun protection
factor for fabrics. Select those with a UPF of 40+.
Use topical sunscreen agent: Physical blocker/reflectant sunscreens. These are more effective sunscreens as they
block out UVA and UVB by reflecting the ultraviolet radiation. Their only drawback is it can be messy to use and
cosmetically unappealing.
Symptoms and Signs:
Sensitivity of the skin to a light source can take various forms. People with this particular skin types are more
sensitive to sunburn. Particularly medications make the skin more sensitive to sunlight; these include most of the
tetracycline antibiotics and the heart drug amiodarone.
Causes:
Cause is unknown but exposure to UV light produces a clearly defined disease entity. These include: Polymorphic
light eruption; Actinic prurigo; Solar urticaria; Chronic actinic dermatitis; Hydroa vacciniforme; Pseudoporphyria
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