A VARIETY OF SKIN-RESPONSES TO ULTRAVIOLET-IRRADIATION IN PATIENTS WITH ATOPIC-DERMATITIS

Skin responses to ultraviolet irradiation in patients with atopic derm atitis were studied to evaluate the role of sunlight in the exacerbati on of atopic dermatitis. A total of 15 patients, seven males and eight females, with atopic dermatitis who complained of exacerbation of the ir dermatitis after sun exposure were examined by photo testing with W E and UVA irradiation and photopatch tests. Nine out of 15 patients sh owed abnormal skin reactions. Lowered minimal erythema doses (MEDs) to a single exposure of UVB, papular or erythematous responses after sin gle or repeated exposures to UVB or UVA and positive photopatch test r eactions to sunscreen ingredients and fragrances were found. There are apparently multiple mechanisms of photoexacerbation in patients with atopic dermatitis. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights r eserved.