The Diagnosis and Management of Photosensitivity

Henry W. Lim, MD, presented the session, “Photosensitivity: Diagnosis and Management” at Dermatology Week 2022 with the objective to recognize the important and new developments in photodermatoses in addition to and the diagnosis and management of patients with photodermatoses.

After comparing photodermatoses in African Americans and White patients, Dr Lim explained in-depth the commonly to uncommonly seen photodermatoses:

• Polymorphous light eruption
• Actinic prurigo
• Hydroa vacciniforme
• Chronic actinic dermatitis
• Solar urticaria or solar angioedema
• Drug-induced photosensitivity
• Erythropoietic protoporphyria

Finally, he concluded with some key aspects for the diagnosis of photodermatoses, which includes “the onset of eruption after sun exposure, morphology, and distribution of lesions.” He noted, “Phototesting is easily available and helpful,” and added, “For the management of photodermatoses, photoprotection, hardening, and immunosuppressants can be used.”

References:
Lim HW. Photosensitivity: diagnosis and management. Presented at: Dermatology Week 2022; May 11-14, 2022; Virtual.