title: Persistent light reaction with erythroderma caused by musk ambrette: a case report.
abstract: Persistent light reaction is an uncommon type of photodermatitis caused mainly by musk ambrette, a synthetic fragrance material commonly used in foods and cosmetics. Erythrodermic persistent light reaction is rare. We report a case of erythroderma with underlying persistent light reaction due to musk ambrette. A 71-year-old man showed a photodermatitis that waxed and waned for five years before it became more persistent and finally evolved into erythroderma. Positive results of a photopatch test to musk ambrette and a low minimal erythema dose to ultraviolet B were noted. A biopsy specimen of the erythrodermic lesion revealed spongiotic dermatitis. The erythroderma and photodermatitis responded to systemic steroids and psoralen/ultraviolet A therapy (total dose: 90 J/cm2). We suggest that persistent light reaction be included in the differential diagnosis of erythroderma.
authors: Department of Dermatology, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors: L R
authors: LR
authors: Lan
authors: J Y
authors: JY
authors: Lee
authors: H F
authors: HF
authors: Kao
authors: B J
authors: BJ
authors: Wang
authors: H C
authors: HC
authors: Chen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003873:Dermatitis, Exfoliative / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D004136:Dinitrobenzenes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D010328:Patch Tests; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D004136:Dinitrobenzenes; C020422:musk ambrette (artificial)