Turn the light on photosensitivity

Abstract

Photosensitivity plays a role in a variety of skin diseases but most of the causative mechanisms are still not completely resolved. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have both immunosuppressive and inflammatory effects as well as influence antimicrobial peptides, produce reactive oxygen species and induce DNA damage. This review discusses the multitude of these mechanisms and the current knowledge on their role in diseases such as cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), phototoxic/photoallergic reactions and polymorphic light eruption (PLE).Currently, photosensitization can only be prevented by either avoiding known sensitizing compounds or by avoiding UV-exposure itself. Therefore, it is important to better understand the underlying mechanisms with the aim to develop strategies to counteract the deleterious effects of photosensitization in the diseases above.

Keywords

• Mechanisms of photosensitivity
• UV radiation
• Photoallergic reaction
• Phototoxic reaction
• Polymorphic light eruption
• Cutaneous lupus erythematosus