John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Photosensitivity (or sun sensitivity) is inflammation of the skin induced by
the combination of sunlight and certain medications or substances. This causes
redness (erythema) of the skin and may look similar to sunburn.
Both the photosensitizing medication or chemical and light source have to be
present in order for a photosensitivity reaction to occur.
Generally, these reactions can be divided into two mechanisms, 1) phototoxic
reactions and 2) photoallergic reactions. Phototoxic drugs are much more common
than photoallergic drugs.
What is the difference between a photoallergic and a phototoxic reaction?
Phototoxic reactions
In phototoxic reactions, the drug may become activated by exposure to
sunlight and cause damage to the skin. The skin's appearance resembles sunburn,
and the process is generally acute (has a fast onset). Ultraviolet A (UVA)
radiation is most commonly associated with phototoxicity, but ultraviolet B
(UVB) and visible light may also contribute to this reaction.
Rash from a phototoxic reaction is mainly confined to the sun-exposed area of
the skin. A phototoxic reaction typically clears up once the drug is discontinued and
has been cleared from the body, even after re-exposure to light.
Photoallergic reactions
In photoallergic reactions, the ultraviolet exposure changes the structure of
the drug so that is seen by the body's immune system as an invader (antigen).
The immune system initiates an allergic response and cause inflammation of the
skin in the sun-exposed areas. These usually resemble eczema and are generally
chronic (long-lasting). Many drugs in this family are topical drugs.
This type of photosensitivity may recur after sun exposure even after the
drug has cleared from the system and can sometimes spread to areas of the skin
unexposed to the sun.
Reviewed by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD on 7/18/2012
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor:
Barbara
K. Hecht, PhD
Most people are understandably confused when it comes to
choosing a sunscreen
because of the baffling array of available choices. Common questions about
sunscreens include
How high should the SPF be?
Should it block UVA or UVB?
Does it matter whether it is a gel, cream, or spray?
Should it be water-resistant or waterproof?
SPF stands for sun protection
factor.
The SPF numbers on a product can range from as low as 2 to as high as 60. These
numbers refer to the product's ability to screen or block out the sun's burning
rays. The SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to
produce sunburnon protected skin to
the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. The higher the
SPF, the greater the sun protection.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch),
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Systemic lupus erythematosus is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of body tissues caused by autoimmune disease. Lupus can cause disease
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Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin turns white due to the loss of pigment from the melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin that gives
Heat stroke (heatstroke or sun stroke) is a form of hyperthermia. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not promptly and properly
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV rays also increases the risk
Burns are categorized by severity as first, second, or third degree. First degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The damage is more severe with
Hyperthermia is the overheating of the body. Heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rash, and sunburn are all hyperthermia
Sunscreens are crucial for sun protection. Sun damage to the skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays is a risk factor for skin cancer and melanoma. To avoid
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