Chronic actinic dermatitis

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Chronic actinic dermatitis
Other nameschronic photosensitivity dermatitis; [1] actinic reticuloid; persistent light reactivity; photosensitive eczema [2] :37
Specialty Dermatology

Chronic actinic dermatitis is a condition characterized by chronic skin inflammation due to sunlight or artificial light. It is similar to solar urticaria or cholinergic urticaria. Patients often have related skin conditions that cause dermatitis in response to a variety of stimuli, including flowers, sunscreens, and cosmetics.

Contents

Symptoms

Common symptoms of chronic actinic dermatitis include burning, itching, swelling, and pain in the affected areas.[ citation needed ] Affected areas of the skin may have the appearance of a sunburn, even when clothing is worn and the skin is protected. Symptoms may begin several days after light exposure. There is no known reaction to moonlight, but reflections of sunlight from windows and mirrors are known to cause damage.[ citation needed ]

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of chronic actinic dermatitis can occur at any age. Tests performed by a dermatologist can help determine the nature and cause of the condition.

Reactions typically vary depending on the severity of the case, with outbreaks typically occurring shortly (or within 24 hours) after direct or indirect exposure to UV light. Common reaction areas include the upper chest, hands, and face. Treatment usually involves the use iof ingestible and topical steroids. The best protection for those affected by the condition is to remain fully covered from sunlight, and use UV-rated clothing and a UV rated umbrella when outdoors.[ citation needed ]

See also

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Actinic cheilitis</span> Medical condition

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar urticaria</span> Medical condition

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Sunburn is a form of radiation burn that affects living tissue, such as skin, that results from an overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from the Sun. Common symptoms in humans and other animals include red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch or painful, general fatigue, and mild dizziness. Other symptoms include blistering, peeling skin, swelling, itching, and nausea. Excessive UV radiation is the leading cause of (primarily) non-malignant skin tumors, which in extreme cases can be life-threatening. Sunburn is an inflammatory response in the tissue triggered by direct DNA damage by UV radiation. When the cells' DNA is overly damaged by UV radiation, type I cell-death is triggered and the tissue is replaced.

Senile pruritus is one of the most common conditions in the elderly or people over 65 years of age with an emerging itch that may be accompanied with changes in temperature and textural characteristics. In the elderly, xerosis, is the most common cause for an itch due to the degradation of the skin barrier over time. However, the cause of senile pruritus is not clearly known. Diagnosis is based on an elimination criteria during a full body examination that can be done by either a dermatologist or non-dermatologist physician.

References

  1. RESERVED, INSERM US14-- ALL RIGHTS. "Orphanet: Chronic actinic dermatitis". www.orpha.net. Retrieved 19 April 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN   978-0-7216-2921-6.