Phototoxic Dermatitis

  • Common reaction resembling sunburn with rapid onset (minutes to hours); requires photosensitizer which magnifies effect of sunlight and damages keratinocytes
  • Occurs in most people if exposed to sufficient amounts of light and drug; typically only in sun-exposed sites
  • Presents with erythema in sun-exposed sites resembling sunburn, may have exaggerated postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, ± onycholysis
  • Treatment: photoprotection and removal of photosensitizer