skin disorders
Photosensitivity Reactions
Treatment of Photosensitivity Reactions
For photosensitivity, stopping medications or chemicals and sometimes taking corticosteroids For solar urticaria, antihistamines, corticosteroids, or sunscreens or sometimes ultraviolet (UV) light therapy For polymorphous light eruption, corticosteroids orhydroxychloroquineand sometimes UV light exposure If possible, any medications or chemicals that could cause photosensitivity should be discontinued after consulting with a doctor. To treat chemical photosensitivity reactions, corticosteroids are applied to the skin and the substance that is causing the reaction is avoided. Solar urticaria can be difficult to treat, but doctors may try histamine (H1) blockers (antihistamines), corticosteroids applied to the skin, or sunscreens. If these treatments do not work, ultraviolet (UV) light therapy may be tried. Some people may be helped byomalizumab, which is a medication that may help decrease allergic responses in the body. People with polymorphous light eruption or photosensitivity caused by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) (lupus) may benefit from corticosteroids applied to the skin or TakingPolypodium leucotomos(a dietary supplement made from certain tropical ferns) or nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) by mouth may be helpful in preventing symptoms in people susceptible to photosensitivity caused by sun exposure. 