Carbamazepine-induced facial burns caused by a photocopier.
A 36-year-old woman on long-term anticonvulsant therapy with carbamazepine (Tegretol) sustained superficial facial and corneal burns after using a photocopier for 2 h. Photosensitivity is a rare side-effect of carbamazepine therapy, and progression to a superficial burn has not been reported previously. Photocopiers emit a very low level of ultraviolet irradiation: this would not cause burns in a normal patient but could possibly do so in someone who is sensitive to ultraviolet light.
Ward
D J
DJ
South West Thames Regional Burns and Plastic Surgery Unit, Queen Mary's Hospital, London.
D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology*; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D002220:Carbamazepine