Results of evaluation of 203 patients for photosensitivity in a 7.3-year period.

BACKGROUND

Although photosensitivity disorders have been well described, their incidence in a referral institution had not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of photosensitivity disorders, including photocontact dermatitis, in an academic medical center.

METHODS

The results of the assessment of 203 consecutive patients, all of whom had phototests, referred for the evaluation of photosensitivity disorders during a 7.3-year period were reviewed.

RESULTS

The mean age was 50 years, and 63% of the patients were women. The most frequent diagnoses were polymorphous light eruption (26% of the total patient population), chronic actinic dermatitis (17%), photoallergic contact dermatitis (8%), systemic phototoxicity to therapeutic agents (7%), and solar urticaria (4%). Positive photopatch reactions, patch test reactions, or both were observed in 40 (29%) of the 138 tested patients. The frequencies of the positive photopatch test reactions were sunscreens (57%), fragrances (18%), and antimicrobial agents (13%). Of the positive patch test responses, fragrances elicited 47% of the total positive reactions, followed by sunscreens (39%) and antimicrobial agents (7%).

CONCLUSION

Polymorphous light eruption, chronic actinic dermatitis, and photoallergic contact dermatitis were the most frequently made diagnoses. Sunscreens, fragrances, and antimicrobial agents were the most common clinically relevant photoallergens and allergens.