Photosensitivity to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam

Two cases of photosensitivity to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent piroxicam are described. The action spectrum appears to be in the ultraviolet A (UVA) range (320 to 400 nm). Hallmarks of the photosensitivity reaction include an acute eczematous dermatitis with frank vesicle formation clinically and spongiosis and a perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrate histologically. Piroxicam and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are capable of inducing cutaneous photosensitivity.