​Dermatology - Topical Phototoxic Dematitis

​Dermatology - Topical Phototoxic Dematitis 
Inadvertent contact with a photosensitizer or therapeutic application of a photosensitizer, followed by exposure to ultraviolet A radiation (almost all topical photosensitizers have an action spectrum that falls within the UVA range). The most common topical phototoxic agents are rose Bengal used for ophthalmologic examination, the dye fluorescein, and furocumarins, which occur in plants ( Compositae spp. and umbiliforme spp. )—in this case the eruption is called phytophotodermatitis—, vegetables, and fruits (lime, lemon celery, parsley), in perfumes and cosmetics (oil of bergamot), and in drugs used for topical photochemotherapy (psoralens). Therapeutic or occupational exposure is the most prevalent way that people come into touch with the substance.


Erythema, swelling, vesiculation, and blistering are characteristics of the clinical presentation, which is similar to that of acute irritating contact dermatitis. These symptoms are localized to the areas where the phototoxic substance was exposed.
Rather of itching, the symptoms have been described as smarting, stinging, and burning. Healing almost always resulted in a noticeable increase in pigmentation.

The patient's medical history and the results of the physical examination are used to make a diagnosis. Other types of dermatitis, such as allergic contact dermatitis and irritating contact dermatitis, are included in the differential diagnosis.

Administer glucocorticoids topically, and either stop using the offending substance or stay out of the sun; counsel the patient on how to avoid sunshine in the future.