Photosensitivity: The 9‐year experience at a Sydney contact dermatitis clinic

Abstract

In this retrospective study, 81 patients with photosensitivity were referred to the Contact and Occupational Dermatitis Clinic at The Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia, in Sydney, between 1991 and 1999. Photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) was diagnosed in 39.5% of patients, with 87.5% of these reactions being to sunscreen chemicals. Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) accounted for 19.7% of cases, drug photosensitivity 14.8%, and photoaggravated atopic dermatitis and chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) each constituted 7.4%. Compared with overseas studies, there was a high incidence of PACD, possibly reflecting the referral bias and widespread use of sunscreens. The incidence of PMLE and CAD was less than studies from cooler climates overseas. No cause could be determined for three photosensitive patients.

Photopatch testing of 1155 patients: results of the U.K. multicentre photopatch study group

“…However, our figure of 4·4% PA and 5·5% CA is in keeping with some publications 7,16,17 . Other work suggests that the incidence of PA can range from 1% to 40% 1,13,18–21 …”

“…7,16,17 Other work suggests that the incidence of PA can range from 1% to 40%. 1,13,[18][19][20][21] The wide variation may be due to several factors, including patient selection, differences in methodology, especially in the agents and irradiation doses used, the timing of readings and interpretation of results. Our data suggest that PA and CA to sunscreens are both probably uncommon, with the incidence of PA probably equivalent to that of CA and the majority of both reaction types having current relevance to the studied patients.…”

Patch Test Reactions Associated With Sunscreen Products and the Importance of Testing to an Expanded Series

“…In addition to age and sex differences, the occupational results are not surprising. 8 As might be expected, sunscreen allergy was most commonly associated with dermatitis on exposed areas such as the face.…”

A 20-year analysis of previous and emerging allergens that elicit photoallergic contact dermatitis

“….2% were of definite relevance, 44.4% of probable relevance,11.2% of possible relevance, and 22.2% of unknown relevance; to plants and plant derivatives, 50% were of definite relevance, 25% of probable relevance,CAPSULE SUMMARYDefinite relevant causes of photoallergic contact dermatitis were detected in 11.2% of individuals with a photosensitivity disorder.Sunscreens and antimicrobial agents were the most frequent allergens eliciting photoallergic contact dermatitis.During the past 20 years, the number of reactions to medications increased and the reactions to fragrances decreased.Pesticides were recognized to be a cause of photoallergic contact dermatitis.Reactions to Fentichlor were unexpected and it remains unknown whether they are a primary response or a crossreaction to other compounds.…”