Chronic actinic dermatitis

Last Updated: 2023-07-07

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: EJ30.1

Hawk & Magnus 1979

CAD, persistent light reaction, photosensitive eczema, actinic reticuloid, chronic photosensitive dermatitis, chronic persistent photosensitivity, photosensitive eczema.

Dermatitis triggered by chronic UV exposure.

  • Very rare.
  • Men > women.
  • Mostly occurring in middle to older age.

Subtypes:

  • Persistent light reaction
  • Actinic reticuloid
  • Chronic photosensitive dermatitis,
  • Photosensitive eczema
  • Photoaggravated atopic dermatitis

If the stimulus persists, photoallergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic eczema or mycosis fungoides develops into chronic persistent photosensitivity, which becomes chronic actinic dermatitis. From this point on, electromagnetic radiation alone (for photoallergic dermatitis, mainly UV-A is significant, and later for chronic actinic dermatitis, UV-B) can be sufficient for the progression of the disease.

Erythematous, lichenified, subtly scaly areas in the area of UV-exposed areas. Secondary scattering phenomena may occur.

  • Anamnesis
  • Clinic
  • Biopsy if necessary
  • Photoprovocation testing

Hyper(para)keratosis, acanthosis, spongiosis.

UV protection