Photodermatitis

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Photodermatitis

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Summary

Photodermatitis is the name of conditions that involve your skin reacting to sun exposure.
Symptoms can include redness, soreness, and blistering.
There’s no cure for it, but you can manage your symptoms with a combination of self-care and medication.

Photodermatitis: essential info
Causes and symptoms
What are my options?
FAQ

Reviewed on January 10, 2024. by

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer

Next review due on January 10, 2027

Last updated on January 09, 2024

Find the photodermatitis treatment that’s best for you.

We’ve got a range of options, and our clinicians can help you find the one that’s best for your body and your budget.

Betnovate

betamethasone valerate 0.1%

Potent corticosteroid cream. Treats dermatitis symptoms and reduces inflammation.

Not available

Dermol

Liquid paraffin, Benzalkonium chloride, Isopropyl myristate, Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride.

The 2-in-1 treatment for preventing infections and moisturising your skin.

Not available

Dermovate

Clobetasol propionate

Topical cream that reduces inflammation. Treats eczema, psoriasis and lichen planus.

Not available

Doublebase Gel

Liquid paraffin, Isopropyl myristate

An emollient that helps treat dry skin by restoring skin moisture.

Not available

Elocon

Mometasone furoate

Helps treat swelling and inflammation within two weeks.

Not available

Epaderm

Liquid paraffin, emulsifying wax

Instantly moisturises and hydrates dry skin.

Not available

Eumovate

Clobetasone butyrate

Steroid cream and ointment that reduce inflammation and itch, with few side effects.

Not available

Fifty:50

Liquid paraffin, Soft paraffin

Treat dry skin with only two ingredients. Helps lock in moisture and prevents water loss.

Not available

Hydrocortisone

Widely used corticosteroid for irritated skin. Available as a cream or an ointment.

Not available

Hydromol

Various emollient agents

Cream, Ointment, or Intensive: all giving you hydration and soothing relief for itchy skin.

Not available

Mometasone

Mometasone furoate

Potent steroid cream and ointment that reduces inflammation, redness and itching during flare-ups.

Not available

What is photodermatitis?

Photodermatitis is a medical term for skin conditions that are triggered by sensitivity to sunlight, which is also known as photosensitivity. It’s often referred to as a sun allergy.

There are several varieties of photodermatitis, with different causes. This means the severity of your symptoms can vary depending on the type you’re affected by. Most often though, photodermatitis has an eczema-like effect on the skin.^[1]

It can be caused by hypersensitivity (an exaggerated immune response) to sunlight, but it can also be triggered by drugs or chemicals that make your skin react to exposure. These are known as photosensitisers. Sunlight exposure can also exacerbate underlying skin conditions and cause symptoms to flare up.

Who gets photodermatitis?

Photodermatitis can affect men and women of all ages. People can be more prone to it at different stages of life, and it can also be affected by genes and environmental factors.^[1]

Those with very light skin who are prone to burning easily in the sun are often thought to be photosensitive, compared to people with fair skin. The most likely group to be affected by photosensitivity is thought to be anyone with Fitzpatrick skin type 1.

The Fitzpatrick scale was created in 1972 by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick to measure individuals’ likeliness to tan or burn when they spend time in the sun. Those with lower skin types on the scale are more likely to be photosensitive.

How common is photodermatitis?

Because photodermatitis has several causes, it’s difficult to say just how many people are affected by it. It can be triggered by lots of medications, such as NSAIDs, so potentially anyone using them could find they become sensitive to sunlight.

Light-skinned people, especially those who have red hair and blue eyes, are thought to be more prone to photosensitivity^[2], and so they might be more likely to develop skin rashes when spending time in the sun.

Treated trusted sources:

“Photosensitivity | DermNet NZ.” Dermnetnz.org.
Sharma, Ajay N., and Bhupendra C. Patel. “Laser Fitzpatrick Skin Type Recommendations.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2023.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on January 10, 2024. Next review due on January 10, 2027.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

What causes photodermatitis?

All forms of photodermatitis are caused by sensitivity to sunlight. Specifically, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) provokes an allergic reaction in the skin of people who are exposed to the sun. This can be a natural immune response for people with a sun allergy (hypersensitivity), or can be caused by medications that make people react abnormally, such as sunscreens and some antibiotics.

There are three types of UV rays: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). People with photodermatitis can either react to one type of UVR, or several.

What are the symptoms of photodermatitis?

Photodermatitis usually appears as an eczema-like rash, but your symptoms may differ depending on what’s causing them.

Polymorphic light eruption is a common type of skin rash that develops from both sun exposure and artificial UV rays, such as those used on sunbeds. This causes pink or red spots to form on any skin that’s been exposed to the sun.^[1]
Actinic prurigo is another form of photodermatitis, and it’s usually worse during the summer months. It causes a rash that is made up of spots and blisters that can sometimes develop into scabs.
Solar urticaria is a type of sun allergy that tends to affect young women. It’s a rare type of photodermatitis, which causes hives (itchy bumps) to appear on sun-exposed skin, sometimes within minutes.^[2]

The rash is more likely to affect the areas of your skin that have been exposed to sunlight, such as the neck, face and hands, than those that are covered up.

Can photodermatitis lead to other problems?

Photodermatitis isn’t likely to lead to anything more serious, but getting the right treatment for it can help to reduce the chances of it getting worse.

Eczema-like rashes can leave your skin feeling sore and irritated, and without proper help you might struggle to stay on top of your flare-ups. The condition can also impact your behaviour, as knowing you’re sensitive to UVR might make you avoid sunlight altogether. A 2020 study found that people with a sun allergy are more likely to develop vitamin D deficiency^[3]. Low vitamin D levels can contribute to osteomalacia (bone softening), muscle weakness, and depression.^[4]

Treated trusted sources:

NHS. “Polymorphic Light Eruption.” Nhs.uk, 24 Oct. 2017.
Publishing, Harvard Health. “Sun Allergy (Photosensitivity).” Harvard Health, 3 Jan. 2022.
Orekoya, Oluwafikunayo, et al. “A Qualitative Study of Knowledge, Behaviour and Attitudes Regarding Vitamin D Acquisition among Patients with Photosensitivity Disorders.” Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, vol. 36, no. 5, 27 Apr. 2020, pp. 378–383.
Penckofer, Sue, et al. “Vitamin D and Depression: Where Is All the Sunshine?” Issues in Mental Health Nursing, vol. 31, no. 6, May 2010, pp. 385–393.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on January 10, 2024. Next review due on January 10, 2027.

How we source info.

What medications are there for photodermatitis?

There are lots of options for treating photodermatitis. While there’s not necessarily a cure for it, you can manage your symptoms with the right combination of self-care and medication.

People who are prone to photodermatitis should generally avoid being out in the sun when the UV index is high. This is usually between 11am-3pm during the summer months, but you should also take care whenever the sun is out. Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF factor is an effective way of staying protected.

If your rash has already developed, you might be prescribed a steroid cream to calm down inflammation and reduce irritation. Betnovate, Elocon and Hydrocortisone are all topical corticosteroids that might help to settle your symptoms and allow your skin to heal.

Moisturisers like Fifty:50 contain paraffin, and can help to form a protective barrier on the surface of your skin. You might find it stops you from scratching the affected area, which can make your rash worse.

Which photodermatitis medication works best?

Finding the best medication for managing your photodermatitis might be a case of trial-and-error, or you might find that the first one you try keeps your symptoms under control.

Whichever treatment you choose, you can easily switch to an alternative if it’s not working the way you want it to.

Are photodermatitis treatments available over the counter?

You might get some benefit from over the counter treatments for photodermatitis. Emollients and moisturisers you can pick up from pharmacies and supermarkets can help skin heal by hydrating it and soothing the irritation. They can form a protective layer on your skin and reduce your urge to itch any affected areas.^[1]

If a clinician thinks your rash will respond better to a prescription-strength treatment, they’ll help you choose a suitable option. Before you can use them, a medical expert will ensure any prescription-only medications they recommend are safe for you to use.

Does photodermatitis always need treatment?

Whether or not you need treatment for your photodermatitis will depend on how your symptoms affect you. If changes to your skin occur whenever you’re exposed to sunlight, you might be tempted to avoid being out in it, which can cause other problems like low vitamin D levels.

Avoiding flare ups might involve staying indoors, avoiding direct, uncovered exposure to sunlight and using sunscreen — but these methods won’t help to establish why your skin is reacting the way it is. Getting a thorough diagnosis of photodermatitis from a clinician can help you establish what’s causing it, and help you learn more about when you’re most affected by it. This can give you a better idea of the things you need to avoid while you manage your condition.

Treated trusted sources:

Purnamawati, Schandra, et al. “The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review.” Clinical Medicine & Research, vol. 15, no. 3-4, 1 Dec. 2017, pp. 75–87.

How we source info.

FAQ: Photodermatitis

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How is photodermatitis diagnosed?

Answer:

A clinician will ask you about your symptoms, and may ask to see photos of the affected areas to determine what’s causing it and the best way to treat it.

You might also be asked some questions about the history of your skin condition, such as how long you’ve been affected by it and when your symptoms typically flare up. This can help establish the cause of your rash.

And in some cases you may be referred for blood tests to rule out any underlying causes. This usually involves a full blood count, and they might check for connective tissue antibodies and extractable nuclear antigens (ENA), along with porphyrins in your blood. These tests can easily be arranged through your GP.

Lastly, photodermatitis can be caused by certain medications such as antibiotics or ibuprofen, or coming into contact with some chemicals found in cleaning products. Because of this, you might be asked to provide a list of all the medications and products you use regularly which might be contributing to your photodermatitis.

Can you get side effects from photodermatitis treatment?

Answer:

You can get side effects from all medications, but not everyone does. When treatments do cause side effects, they tend to fade as you get used to them.

Corticosteroid creams can sometimes cause a slight burning sensation after you’ve applied them, but it usually improves as your skin adjusts to it. All medications contain a patient information leaflet (PIL), which contains directions on how to use them and lists all the side effects you might get.

Do photodermatitis treatments always work?

Answer:

While we can’t guarantee the medication you choose will clear bumps, blisters, or skin irritation caused by photodermatitis, there’s a lot of evidence that suggest that topical corticosteroids, emollients and gels can all help. Corticosteroids are used to manage a number of dermatological conditions,^[1] so they might work for you.

Managing your condition might need a combination of approaches, such as recognising things that make your symptoms worse alongside a treatment to help your skin heal. A clinician might ask about your usual skincare routine to see if they think anything else can be added that will help.

Treated trusted sources:

Gabros, Sarah, et al. “Topical Corticosteroids.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2023

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