| Chronic actinic dermatitis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | chronic photosensitivity dermatitis;[1] actinic reticuloid; persistent light reactivity; photosensitive eczema[2]: 37 |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
Chronic actinic dermatitis is a condition where a subject's skin becomes inflamed due to a reaction to sunlight or artificial light; similar to solar urticaria or cholinergic urticaria. Patients often have other related conditions of the skin that cause dermatitis in response to a variety of stimuli (e.g., flowers, sunscreens, cosmetics, etc.).
Symptoms
Typical signs and symptoms of chronic actinic dermatitis are burning, itching, swelling, and pain in the affected areas. Affected areas of the skin may have the appearance of a sunburn, even when clothing is worn and the skin is protected.
Symptoms may begin several days after light exposure. There is no known reaction to moonlight, but reflections of sunlight from windows and mirrors can still cause damage.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of chronic actinic dermatitis can occur at any age. A general practitioner may refer a patient to a dermatologist if the condition is not showing clear symptoms, and a variety of tests - usually completed at a hospital - can then determine the exact nature and cause of the patient's condition.
Reactions, which vary depending on the severity of the case, include rashes, flared 'bumpy' patches, affected areas being extremely hot to touch, and outbreaks shortly (or within 24 hours) after direct or indirect exposure to UVA and/or UVB light. The skin most likely reacts on the upper chest, hands and face, however it is not unlikely for reactions to happen all over the body. The patient may feel burning, stinging or throbbing sensations in these areas, which causes mild, yet uncomfortable pain in some patients. Others liken the pain and sensation to a chemical burn that doesn't go away. It is a mistake to think that the reaction is like a sunburn, it is far deeper in the skin and often requires the use of ingestible steroids as well as topical steroids in order to alleviate the condition to a degree. The best protection is to be fully covered from sunlight, even when cloudy or hazy. The use of UV-rated clothing is suggested as well as a UV-rated umbrella for outdoors.
See also
References
- ↑ RESERVED, INSERM US14-- ALL RIGHTS. "Orphanet: Chronic actinic dermatitis". www.orpha.net. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-7216-2921-6.