Phototesting In The Idiopathic Photodermatoses Among Indians

Abstract

50 patients with idiopathic photodermatoses were phototested using the solar simulator, with broad spectrum wavebands of the whole spectrum (WS) and the whole spectrum â€" ultraviolet B (WS- UVB) to determine the minimal erythema dose. Cases diagnosed as solar urticaria were further tested with visible light. Among the photodermatoses seen in this part of the country polymorphic light eruption (PLE) was the commonest followed by chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) and solar urticaria. The UVB wavelengths appeared to be more responsible than UVA in PLE and CAD while the UVA and visible wavelengths were responsible for solar urticaria.