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- This is a condition that develops in areas of the body exposed to ultra-violet (UV) rays of the sun.
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- Occur after sun exposure
- May be in the area where chemical or topical cream applied
- Mild form is like sunburn -- red, Itchy, hot, in patches with Scaly Skin.
- Severe form -- vesicles or fragile bullae (fluid-filled, bubble-like under the skin).
- If these occur often, the skin may become thick and dark in color.
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- Phototoxic -- direct effect of the UV rays (e.g., sunburn) or taking chemicals or substances that make the skin more sensitive to UV light.
- Photoallergic -- effects seen when individual exposed to sun is also taking certain chemicals or medications that make their skin allergic to sunlight.
- Polymorphus light eruptions or PLE -- this is a skin condition in which exposure to sunlight results in a red rash, Hives (flat or raised red areas with irregular borders), and vesicles (small fluid filled bumps).
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- Symptoms
- Sun exposure
- Illnesses
- Medications
- Topical creams
- Jobs
- Habits -- gardening, etc.
- Family
- Doctor may consult with a Dermatologist.
- Photo -- testing by exposing the
patient to UV light
- Photo patch testing -- done by
applying the suspected agents or chemicals to patient's
back for 48 hrs. The patch is taken off and skin
reaction is followed for one week.
- Skin biopsy -- if diseases are suspected, a piece of skin tissue is sent to a pathologist who can identify the underlying problem.
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- Birth control pills
- Phenothiazines
- Tetracycline
- Sulfonamides
- Diuretics
- Thalidomide
- Harvesters of celery and citrus fruits and figs
- Plants or topical cream containing Psoralens
- Coal tar lotions
- Perfumes -- especially with lemon oils
- Soaps (salicylic annelids) and aftershave lotions
- Sunscreens with p-aminobenzoic acids (PABA)
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- Avoid sunlight
- Avoid medications or topical creams that cause the problems. Wear hats, long sleeves, and use sunscreen (against UVA and UVB) when in sunlight.
- Use zinc oxide as sunscreen
- Sunscreen at least with SPF >15
- For Sunburn:
- Cold water or ice compresses (towel) as needed
- Aloe vera lotions have soothing effects
- Tylenol or aspirin for pain
- Corticosteroid creams (Betametasone 0.1%) can ease the pain, redness, and itching.
- Prednisone pills can be given for severe reactions
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Talk with your physician for further therapy and testing.
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- Foods
- Drugs
- Fabrics
- Contact with particular agent
- Burns from other causes (i.e., hot water, etc.)
- SLE
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