Photodermatitis--study of the condition in Kuantan, Malaysia

The high incidence of photodermatitis among dermatological patients prompted the study of the condition. In the 18 months from October 1972 to March 1974, 199 patients presented with light sensitive dermatitis, forming 9% of all new cases seen in the Dermatology Clinic at Kuantan. A detailed history, including that of the use of drugs, proprietary and commercial products, was taken in each patient to determine the aetiology. Where there was suspicion of contact sensitisation, photo-patch tests were done with the suspected agents using natural sunlight as a source of ultra-violet light. The aetiology of photodermatitis in these patients is discussed. The systemic and topical use of medicaments accounts for the largest number of cases. It is inferred that the ready availability to the public of medicaments containing known photosensitisers and the unawareness of light sensitive dermatitis are factors responsible for the large number of patients developing this condition in this tropical climate where there is an abundance of ultra-violet light and where people wear light clothing.