title: Drug-induced photosensitivity: new insights into pathomechanisms and clinical variation through basic and applied science.
abstract: Drug-induced photosensitivity occurs when a drug is capable of absorbing radiation from the sun (usually ultraviolet A) leading to chemical reactions that cause cellular damage (phototoxicity) or, more rarely, form photoallergens (photoallergy). The manifestation varies considerably in presentation and severity from mild pain to severe blistering. Despite screening strategies and guidelines in place to predict photoreactive drugs during development there are still new drugs coming onto the market that cause photosensitivity. Thus, there is a continuing need for dermatologists to be aware of the different forms of presentation and the culprit drugs. Management usually involves photoprotection and cessation of drug treatment. However, there are always cases where the culprit drug is indispensable. The reason why some patients are susceptible while others remain asymptomatic is not known. A potential mechanism for the phototoxic reactions is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and there are a number of reasons why some patients might be less able to cope with enhanced levels of ROS.
authors: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Khandpur
authors: Academic Dermatology, Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Stow Hill, St Woolos Hospital, Newport, NP20 4SZ, U.K.
authors: R M
authors: RM
authors: Porter
authors: School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, U.K.
authors: S J
authors: SJ
authors: Boulton
authors: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2PY, U.K.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Anstey
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D017454:Dermatitis, Photoallergic / Q000209:etiology; D017484:Dermatitis, Phototoxic / Q000209:etiology; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000502:physiology; D010146:Pain / Q000139:chemically induced; D010383:Pellagra / Q000139:chemically induced; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011164:Porphyrias / Q000139:chemically induced; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000494:pharmacology; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D013471:Sunburn / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species