Abstract
Chronic actinic dermatitis is a persistent photodermatitis typically seen in older men. It leads to marked photosensitivity, with signs demonstrable after exposure to ultraviolet light even lower than the minimal erythema dose. A lichenified eczematous rash in sun-exposed sites is usual. Atypical presentations include a pseudolymphomatous appearance or erythroderma. Drug-induced photosensitivity and other photosensitive conditions, including lupus and porphyria, should be excluded. Strict photoprotection is paramount, and patients should be counselled about allergen avoidance where relevant. Remission is seen in only 10% of patients after 5 years. Desensitisation with PUVA or TLO1 can be useful in some cases. Topical steroids and tacrolimus or systemic agents, such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil, are other therapeutic considerations.
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O’Connor, C., Murphy, G.M., Gulmann, C., O’Shea, S.J. (2023). Chronic Actinic Dermatitis. In: Katsambas, A.D., Lotti, T.M., Dessinioti, C., D'Erme, A.M. (eds) European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15130-9_14
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