How is sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) diagnosed?
The diagnosis is mainly made by a thorough history, examination, and review of the medications and duration of exposure to sun. Again, it is important to ask when the medication was started and for how long the symptoms persisted. There are no diagnostic tests available, although a photo-patch test may be performed. This test is typically performed by a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the skin) by shining light onto different areas of the skin to see how long it will take for the light to cause redness. This test may be useful in evaluating photosensitivity to topical medications causing a photoallergic response. In cases of phototoxicity reactions, this test is generally not useful. What is the treatment for a photosensitizing drug reaction? Recognizing and discontinuing the photosensitizing drug is the most important step in treatment. In general, the usual sunburn prevention methods that are listed above, such as the use of sunscreens and avoidance of prolonge
