Photodermatitis

Gabriel Neal, MA, MD, Dennis Garcia-Rhodes, MPH, MD and Kara Hensley, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Reviewed 04/2024

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Light-induced eruptions seen in a pattern of photodistribution exposure
- Phototoxic reactions: result of an acute toxic effect on skin of ultraviolet (UV) light alone (sunburn) or toge...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Pruritic and often painful rash developing secondary to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or visible light. May occur within hours to a few days of exposure to sunlight or other ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Appropriate health care: outpatient
Avoid sunlight/limit exposure.
Protective clothing/sunscreens
Ice packs/cold water compresses (1,5)

MEDICATION

Topical corticosteroids (triamc...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Avoid direct sunlight.

PATIENT EDUCATION

Avoidance of direct sunlight exposure
Avoidance of photosensitizing drugs
Protective clothing (e.g., hats, long sleeves)
Suns...

REFERENCES

Hinton AN, Goldminz AM. Feeling the Burn: Phototoxicity and Photoallergy. Dermatol Clin. 2020;38(1):165-175.

Guan LL, Lim HW, Mohammad TF. Recognizing photoallergy, phototoxicity, and immu...

ADDITIONAL READING

CODES

ICD10

L56.8 Oth acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation
L57.8 Oth skin changes due to chr expsr to nonionizing radiation
L56.4 Polymorphous light eruption
L59.8 Oth disrd of the skin, subcu ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

Sunscreen with SPF protection of 30+, should be utilized, covering areas of exposed skin when outdoors, with generous application every two hours for best efficacy.
Sunscreen should al...

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