Related Experiment Videos
Photoallergic contact dermatitis is uncommon.
A Darvay1, I R White, R J Rycroft
1Department of Environmental Dermatology, St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EH, UK. amritdarvay@doctors.org.uk
The British Journal of Dermatology
|November 13, 2001
Summary
Allergic contact (AC) and photoallergic (PA) reactions to UV filters are rare, even with increased sunscreen use. Benzophenone-3 remains a common photoallergen, while others are less frequently used.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photodermatology
- Contact Dermatitis
Background:
- Increased sunscreen usage has not led to a rise in allergic contact (AC) and photoallergic (PA) reactions to UV filters.
- These reactions are considered rare despite widespread sunscreen application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze data from 2715 patients who underwent photopatch testing between 1983 and 1998.
- To identify the prevalence and causative agents of AC and PA reactions to UV filters.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of positive photopatch test episodes.
- Data retrieved from environmental dermatology database and verified with original patient records.
Main Results:
- Out of 2715 patients, 111 (4.1%) had positive reactions; 62 (2.3%) had 80 PA reactions, with UV filters being the most common cause (65%).
- Benzophenone-3 was the most frequent UV filter photoallergen (14 reactions), followed by benzophenone-10 (9 reactions).
- 49 patients (1.8%) experienced 75 AC reactions to UV filters, with benzophenone-10 (13 reactions) and benzophenone-3 (8 reactions) being most common.
Conclusions:
- Photopatch testing shows a low yield of positive reactions, indicating PA reactions to UV filters remain rare.
- Many previously common UV filter photoallergens are now less used, though benzophenone-3 is still prevalent.
- Patients with photodermatoses like polymorphic light eruption (PLE) are at higher risk; regular review of photopatch test series is needed as allergen relevance changes.