Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity describes a group of skin disorders that result from exposure to normal levels of UV light exposure

Fitzpatrick skin types

  • Normal human skin is photosensitive in that it reddens/tans following following acute sunlight exposure, and thickens following chronic sunlight exposure
  • Photosensivity is multi-factorial with it being influenced by the intensity of UV light, genetics, genetics, drugs and skin types
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Xeroderma pigmentosum

  • Xeroderma pigmentosum refers to a group of autosomal recessive genetic disorders caused by a deficiency in the DNA repair mechanisms in the skin

Clinical presentation

  • Severe photosensitivity
  • Accelerated photo ageing
  • Ocular damage
  • Early formation of skin cancers

Management

  • Patients are required to undertake strict sun avoidance
  • Most will die in teenage or early adult years due to skin cancer