Photosensitivity and Photo-Onycholysis Due to Demethylchlortetracycline

Contraceptive pill-induced porphyria cutanea tarda presenting with onycholysis of the finger nails

“…However, the rarity of nail changes in the cutaneous porphyrias would suggest that an inherent nail abnormality is present in only those porphyriacs who develop nail lesions. A somewhat analogous situation is the photo-onycholysis following tetracycline therapy (Orentreich, Harber and Tromovitch, 1961;Segal, 1963). It would appear, in view of the rarity of photosensitivity to tetracycline, that the tetracycline derivative accumulates in the nail plates and there initiates a photo-allergic reaction on exposure to light resulting in photoonycholysis.…”

“…Whilst typically occurring in middle-aged males with a history of alcohol abuse (Cairns, 1972;Tschudy, Magnus and Kalivas, 1971;Walsh et al, 1970), there are an increasing number of reports recording the onset of porphyria cutanea tarda following oestrogen therapy (Walshe, 1963;Roenigk and Gottlob, 1970;Behm and Unger, 1974). It is felt that the above case, in view of her age, history of oestrogen therapy and lack of heavy alcoholic intake, is a further example of contraceptive pill-induced porphyria cutanea tarda.…”

Benoxaprofen: side-effect profile in 300 patients.

“…In addition to benoxaprofen, 44 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were taking suppressive agents-prednisolone (25 patients), penicillamine (14), and gold (5). These drugs were continued with occasional dosage modification depending on clinical requirements.…”

Photoonycholysis: new findings

“…First described by Orentreich in 1961, photoonycholysis is a rare nail alteration that may result from drug intake, from topical aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy or in photosensitive conditions such as porphyria or pseudoporphyria. Spontaneous photoonycholysis is rare.…”