Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Photoallergic Contact Dermatitis

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Kanerva’s Occupational Dermatology

  • 173 Accesses

Abstract

Topical photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) is thought to represent a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction when an exogenous agent combines with some component of the skin in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) and/or visible light.

Although PACD is relatively rare, it is also underdiagnosed as a cause of sunlight-exposed site dermatitis.

Photopatch testing is the investigation of choice for topical PACD, and a European consensus methodology for photopatch testing should allow greater comparison between centers.

Currently, organic UV sunscreen absorbers and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the commonest photohaptens encountered by patients.

Clinicians should be aware of potential new photohaptens in the environment and have a low threshold for photopatch testing such agents.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aerts O, Clinck B et al (2015) Contact allergy caused by Tinosorb®M: let us not forget about xantham gum. Contact Dermatitis 72:121–123

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anonymous (1997) Photopatch testing-methods and indications. British photodermatology group. Br J Dermatol 136:371–376

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Batchelor RJ, Wilkinson SM (2006) Photopatch testing- a retrospective review using the 1 day and 2 day irradiation protocols. Contact Dermatitis 54:75–78

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bell HK, Rhodes LE (2000) Photopatch testing in photosensitive patients. Br J Dermatol 142:589–590

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bourke J, Coulson I et al (2001) British association of dermatologists. Guidelines for care of contact dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 145:877–885

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bruynzeel DP, Ferguson J et al (2004) Photopatch testing: a consensus methodology for Europe. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 18:679–682

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bryden AM, Moseley H et al (2006) Photopatch testing of 1155 patients: results of the U.K. multicentre photopatch study group. Br J Dermatol 155:737–747

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Darvay A, White IR et al (2001) Photoallergic contact dermatitis is uncommon. Br J Dermatol 145:597–601

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Diaz RL, Gardeazabal J et al (2006) Greater allergenicity of topical ketoprofen in contact dermatitis confirmed by use. Contact Dermatitis 54:239–243

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • EMCPPTS Taskforce (2012) A European multi-centre photopatch test study. Br J Dermatol 166:1002–1009

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Epstein S (1939) Photoallergy and primary photosensitivity to sulfanilamide. J Invest Dermatol 2:43–51

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Epstein S (1968) Chlorpromazine photosensitivity. Phototoxic and photoallergic reactions. Arch Dermatol 98:354–363

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • European Commission, Growth, CosIng Annex VII, Part 1 – List of permitted UV filters which cosmetic products may contain (Last updated 2010). http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/pdf/COSING_Annex%20VII_v1_part1.pdf. Accessed 6 Mar 2017

  • European Medicines Agency (2010) Ketoprofen topical. Outcome of a procedure under Article 107 of Directive 2001/83/EC. http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/human/referrals/Ketoprofen_topical/human_referral_000238.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac05805c516f. Accessed 10 Mar 2017

  • Girardin P, Vigan M et al (2006) Cross-reactions in patch testing with ketoprofen, fragrance mix and cinnamic derivatives. Contact Dermatitis 55:126–128

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goncalo M, Ferguson J et al (2013) Photopatch testing: recommendations for a European photopatch test baseline series. Contact Dermatitis 68:239–243

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • de Groot AC (1994) Patch testing: test concentrations and vehicles for 3700 chemicals, 2nd edn. Elsevier, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • de Groot AC, Roberts DW (2014) Contact and photocontact allergy to octocrylene: a review. Contact Dermatitis 70:193–204

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Guy RH, Maibach HI (1983) Drug delivery to local subcutaneous structures following topical administration. J Pharm Sci 72:1375–1380

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hindsen M, Isaksson M et al (2004) Photoallergic contact dermatitis from ketoprofen induced by drug-contaminated personal objects. J Am Acad Dermatol 50:215–219

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hindsen M, Zimerson E et al (2006) Photoallergic contact dermatitis from ketoprofen in southern Sweden. Contact Dermatitis 54:150–157

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Holman M, Shetty D (2005) The role of FDA in sunscreen regulation. In: Shaath NA (ed) Sunscreens. Regulations and commercial development. Cosmetic and technology series, vol 28, 3rd edn. Taylor & Francis, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Kerr AC, Muller F et al (2008) Occupational carprofen photoallergic contact dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 159: 1303–1308

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kerr AC, Niklasson B et al (2009) A double-blind, randomized assessment of the irritant potential of sunscreen chemical dilutions used in photopatch testing. Contact Dermatitis 60:203–209

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Le Coz CJ, Bottlaender A et al (1998) Photocontact dermatitis from ketoprofen and tiaprofenic acid: cross-reactivity study in 12 consecutive patients. Contact Dermatitis 38:245–252

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leroy D, Dompmartin A et al (1997) Photodermatitis from ketoprofen with cross-reactivity to fenofibrate and benzophenones. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 13:93–97

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Liuti F, Borrego L (2015) Contact dermatitis caused by Tinosorb®M: the importance of testing with pure methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol. Contact Dermatitis 73:192–193

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mascotto RE (2005) Regulatory aspects of sunscreens in Europe. In: Shaath NA (ed) Sunscreens. Regulations and commercial development. Cosmetic and technology series, vol 28, 3rd edn. Taylor & Francis, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Mesa MCV, Jimenez EVH (2016) Photopatch testing in Bogota (Colombia): 2011–2013. Contact Dermatitis 74:11–17

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy EG (2005) The final monograph. In: Shaath NA (ed) Sunscreens. Regulations and commercial development. Cosmetic and technology series, vol 28, 3rd edn. Taylor & Francis, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Ophaswongse S, Maibach H (1993) Topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: allergic and photoallergic contact dermatitis and phototoxicity. Contact Dermatitis 29:57–64

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Raugi GJ, Storrs FJ et al (1979) Photoallergic contact dermatitis to men’s perfumes. Contact Dermatitis 5:251–260

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schauder S, Ippen H (1997) Contact and photocontact sensitivity to sunscreens. Review of a 15-year experience and of the literature. Contact Dermatitis 37:221–232

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schauder S, Schroder W et al (1996) Olaquindox-induced airborne photoallergic contact dermatitis followed by transient or persistent light reactions in 15 pig breeders. Contact Dermatitis 35:344–354

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Scott KW, Dawson TA (1974) Photo-contact dermatitis arising from the presence of quindoxin in animal feeding stuffs. Br J Dermatol 90:543–546

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (1999) Rulemaking history for OTC sunscreen drug products. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/DevelopmentResources/Over-the-CounterOTCDrugs/StatusofOTCRulemakings/ucm072134.htm. Accessed 6 Mar 2017

  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2014) Sunscreen Innovation Act (SIA). https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/ucm434782.htm. Accessed 9 Mar 2017

  • Wahlberg JE (2001) Patch testing. In: Rycroft R, Menne T, Frosch P, Lepoittevin J-P (eds) Textbook of contact dermatitis, 3rd edn. Springer, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilkinson DS (1961) Photodermatitis due to tetrachlorsalicylanilide. Br J Dermatol 73:213–219

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Photobiology Unit, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK

    James Ferguson

  2. Department of Dermatology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK

    Alastair C. Kerr

Authors
  1. James Ferguson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Alastair C. Kerr
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alastair C. Kerr .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Niedersachsen, Germany

    Swen Malte John

  2. Department of Dermato-allergology, Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark

    Jeanne Duus Johansen

  3. Dept. of Dermatology and Allergology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Thomas Rustemeyer

  4. Dept. of Dermatology and Allergology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Thüringen, Germany

    Peter Elsner

  5. Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA

    Howard I. Maibach

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Ferguson, J., Kerr, A.C. (2018). Photoallergic Contact Dermatitis. In: John, S., Johansen, J., Rustemeyer, T., Elsner, P., Maibach, H. (eds) Kanerva’s Occupational Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40221-5_16-2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40221-5_16-2

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-40221-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-40221-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference MedicineReference Module Medicine

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation