Evaluation of the photosensitive patient

During the last few decades, a number of centers around the world have contributed to our knowledge of photosensitivity disorders. However, diagnostic methods, particularly with respect to phototesting and photopatch testing, have often differed in important details between centers. The potential advantages of using relatively standardized techniques are now being recognized. This article discusses the following areas of evaluation of the photosensitive patient: history, examination, phototesting, photopatch testing, and histopathologic and other laboratory studies.