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Photosensitivity, Pediatric

Leslie Castelo-Soccio, MD, PhD and Laura E. Kaplan, BA Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Group of disorders where skin reactions are triggered by light. Rare in children, often with different etiologies than adults. Photosensitivities may be classified as: 
  • Chemical and d...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Age of onset of rash

  • Occurrence

    • Season: spring and summer, for example, JSE

    • Relation to sun exposure: time frame, effect of sun through glass. Ordinary glass blocks most UVB but not UVA.

    • ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Protection against sun exposure

    • Avoiding the sun, particularly between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

    • Wearing protective clothing is important. Some fabric is not fully sun protective, alt...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

The frequency of skin exams depends on type of photosensitivity; for example, patients with xeroderma pigmentosum need dermatologic exams every ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Chantorn R, Lim HW, Shwayder TA. Photosensitivity disorders in children: part I. J Am Acad Dermatol.  2012;67(6):1093.e1–1093.e18. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Chantorn R, Li...

CODES

ICD9

  • 692.72 Acute dermatitis due to solar radiation

  • 692.82 Dermatitis due to other radiation

ICD10

  • L56.8 Oth acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation

  • L59.8 Oth disrd of the skin, subcu related...

FAQ

  • Q: What is the best sunscreen to use?

  • A: It depends on your particular problem. If you are sensitive to UVB, use a sunscreen with the highest SPF. If you are sensitive to UVA, sunscreens containing...

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