Photosensitivity

Sensitivity toward light.

A drug-induced change in the skin resulting in a rash or exaggerated sunburn upon exposure to the sun or ultraviolet lamps.

A condition in which a person is sensitive to sunlight.

The fact of being sensitive to light.

Abnormal sensitivity of the skin to the sun; it is caused by a disorder (e.g., Albinism) or is the result of certain drugs (e.g., tetracycline, phenothiazines).

Heightened sensitivity to the sun. Photosensitivity may occur as a result of disease, medications, or chemical components of the skin. Conditions that lead to photosensitivity include systemic lupus erythematosus, xeroderma pigmentosum, and a number of metabolic disorders. Photosensitizing medications include quinolone antibiotics, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, thiazide diuretics, tretinoin, tricyclic antidepressants, and some medications used to treat cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Abnormal reaction to sunlight. The condition usually occurs as a skin rash appearing in response to light falling on the skin, and may be caused by substances that have been eaten or applied to the skin. These are called photosensitizers and may be dyes, chemicals in soaps, or drugs. Sometimes plants act as photosensitizers for example, buttercups and mustard. The condition may occur in some illnesses such as lupus erythematosus.

Sensitivity to light either because of an autoimmune illness (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus), or because of the use or application of sensitizing drugs or chemicals.

An unusual response to light, photosensitivity typically results in a skin rash when areas exposed to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light come into contact with it. This reaction often arises due to the presence of a photosensitizer (a substance like a specific medication, dye, chemical in perfume or soap, or even certain plants like mustard) that has been consumed or applied to the skin. Additionally, photosensitivity is a characteristic of conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus.