Skin light sensitivity (photosensitivity)

Skin light sensitivity, also called photosensitivity, means your skin reacts to light in an unusual way. You may get pain, redness, itching or a rash when your skin is exposed to light. The symptoms can be very mild, or they can be very severe.

There are several types of light sensitivity conditions. Some are very common and others are rarer. Anyone can have one, whatever their age or skin type.

Doctors group light sensitivity conditions by what causes them.

Some happen when the immune system reacts unusually to light. These include:

• polymorphic light eruption
• juvenile spring eruption
• chronic actinic dermatitis
• solar urticaria
• actinic prurigo
• actinic folliculitis
• hydroa vacciniforme

Light sensitivity can also be a side effect of some drugs or chemicals, for example:

• doxycycline
• quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin
• bendroflumethiazide and other thiazides
• quinine
• calcium channel blockers
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), although these rarely contribute to light sensitivity
• phenothiazines (including chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine)
• St John's Wort

These are only examples of drugs that may cause light sensitivity, and the list is not complete. If you're worried about the side effects of a medicine, speak to a doctor. Don't stop taking any medicine without speaking to your doctor first.

Some light sensitivity conditions are caused by a genetic alteration. These include:

• Xeroderma Pigmentosum
• Cockayne Syndrome
• Bloom Syndrome
• Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome

Photoaggravated skin diseases are also light sensitivity conditions. Light doesn't cause them, but exposure to light can trigger them or make them worse.

Some examples of photoaggravated light sensitivity conditions are:

• rosacea
• lupus erythematosus
• atopic dermatitis
• psoriasis
• Darier disease
• dermatomyositis
• pemphigus vulgaris or foliaceus

Skin light sensitivity, also called photosensitivity, means your skin reacts when it's exposed to light. Some of the common symptoms are:

• skin rash
• skin pain
• itching
• a burning or heat sensation on the skin
• blistering or fragile skin
• sunburn that happens very easily

These symptoms can be mild or severe. Some people also feel generally unwell because of the light sensitivity disease, and you may get headaches or fatigue.

It's rarer, but some people have unusual freckling or scarring of the skin.

Some light sensitivity rashes show up only on exposed skin during summer. But a rash caused by light sensitivity can also happen:

• all year round
• through light clothing
• through windows and indoor light

You may find no rash on areas that are naturally in shadow, like:

• under the chin
• the upper eyelids
• behind the ears

You may also see the rash stop at the edge of anything that covered your skin, such as clothing or footwear.

If you think you have a light sensitivity condition, speak to your doctor. If needed, your doctor may send you to a dermatologist.

Most people won't need to be referred for light sensitivity testing. But if you do, your dermatologist may refer you to a light testing centre.

A light sensitivity rash may be prevented if you protect your skin from the sun and stay out of it.

Your doctor will tell you if you need any other treatments. These could include light-based treatments or treatments that suppress the immune system.

If photosensitivity affects your day-to-day life, you may need psychological support too.

You may also need to take a vitamin D supplement if you have a light sensitivity condition.