The photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome (chronic actinic dermatitis) occurring in seven young atopic dermatitis patients

• Published in: British journal of dermatology (1951) Vol. 138; no. 3; pp. 496 - 501
• Main Authors: RUSSELL, S. C, DAWE, R. S, COLLINS, P, MAN, I, FERGUSON, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford BSL Blackwell Science Ltd 01.03.1998; Blackwell
• Subjects: Adult; Allergic diseases; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Chronic Disease; Dermatitis, Atopic - complications; Female; Humans; Immunopathology; Male; Medical sciences; Patch Tests; Photosensitivity Disorders - etiology; Photosensitivity Disorders - pathology; Skin allergic diseases. Stinging insect allergies; Sunlight - adverse effects; Case study; Human; Allergy; Immunopathology; Photosensitivity; Skin disease; Association; Actinic reticuloid; Atopic dermatitis; Atopy
• ISSN: 0007-0963; 1365-2133
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1998.02132.x

Seven young patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) who presented with a marked photoexposed site dermatitis have been investigated in detail. The results of phototesting, patch testing and other investigations were compatible with the diagnosis of photosensitivity dermatitis/actinic reticuloid syndrome (PD/AR) (chronic actinic dermatitis). It is known that AD patients may have photoaggravation of their dermatitis or exacerbation secondary to a photodermatosis, such as polymorphic light eruption, actinic prurigo or drug‐induced phototoxicity. The patients we describe, however, appear to be an uncommon AD subgroup affected by PD/AR. We recommend that all AD patients who have a history of sunlight‐induced exacerbation or marked intolerance of PUVA or ultraviolet B phototherapy should have phototesting and patch testing conducted.