Photosensitivity in the pediatric patient.

Photosensitivity in the pediatric patient is caused by a diverse group of disorders. It may indicate a serious underlying systemic disease such as lupus erythematosus or dermatomyositis, or be an early symptom of a rare group of genetic disorders that includes the porphyrias, xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, Bloom syndrome, and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. Idiopathic disorders and ultraviolet light-induced reactions to topical or systemic agents may also cause photosensitivity in children. Early recognition and prompt diagnosis may prevent complications associated with prolonged unprotected exposure to sunlight and permit recognition of families at risk for rare heritable disorders associated with photosensitivity.