Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity
In medicine, increased sensitivity of the skin to light and other sources of UV. Photosensitivity commonly causes reddening and blistering of the skin with exposure to sunlight and, in time, it heightens the risk of skin cancer. A number of diseases make for photosensitivity, as do scores of prescription and non-prescription drugs. (For details, see Sunburn and Sun-Sensitizing Drugs). The eyes may also be oversensitive to light, a condition called photophobia, as occurs for example in measles. In biology, photosensitivity need not be abnormal. It refers to the fact of being readily stimulated by light.
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Abnormal sensitivity to light, especially of the eyes. For example, light may irritate the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea or, in excess, the retina; when scattered by a cataractous lens light may produce glare; it can produce a migraine headache or a temporary exotropia. See photophobia, photalgia, photesthesia.

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n.
abnormal reaction of the skin to sunlight. This characterizes certain skin diseases (see photodermatosis). Photosensitivity reactions may also occur in those taking such drugs as tetracyclines, phenothiazines, furosemide, amiodarone, and NSAIDs. In these cases the effect may resemble severe sunburn.

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pho·to·sen·si·tiv·i·ty (fo″to-sen″sĭ-tivґĭ-te) [photo- + sensitivity] 1. ability of a cell, organ, or organism to react to light. 2. an abnormal response of the skin or eyes to sunlight, involving the interaction between photosensitizing substances and sunlight or filtered or artificial light at wavelengths of 280–400 nm. There are two main types: photoallergy and phototoxicity.

Photosensitivity. Severe sunburn in exposed areas after application of a topical photosensitizing cream and exposure to the sun, with sparing of areas under the bathing suit.


Medical dictionary. 2011.

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Photosensitivity — is the amount to which an object reacts upon receiving photons, especially visible light.Interpretation in medicineSensitivity of the skin to a light source can take various forms. People with particular skin types are more sensitive to sunburn.… …   Wikipedia

  • photosensitivity — n. abnormal reaction of the skin to sunlight. This characterizes certain skin diseases (see photodermatosis). Photosensitivity reactions may also occur in those taking such drugs as tetracyclines, phenothiazines, furosemide, amiodarone, and… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • photosensitivity — fotojautrumas statusas T sritis Standartizacija ir metrologija apibrėžtis Medžiagos gebėjimas keisti savo parametrus, pvz., elektrinius, sugėrus tam tikro bangos ilgio elektromagnetinę spinduliuotę. atitikmenys: angl. photosensitivity vok.… …   Penkiakalbis aiškinamasis metrologijos terminų žodynas

  • photosensitivity — jautrumas šviesai statusas T sritis Standartizacija ir metrologija apibrėžtis Fotografinės medžiagos parametras, leidžiantis parinkti ekspoziciją. atitikmenys: angl. photosensitivity vok. lichtelektrische Empfindlichkeit, f; Lichtempfindlichkeit …   Penkiakalbis aiškinamasis metrologijos terminų žodynas

  • photosensitivity — jautrumas šviesai statusas T sritis chemija apibrėžtis Fotografinės medžiagos rodiklis, leidžiantis parinkti ekspoziciją. atitikmenys: angl. photosensitivity rus. фоточувствительность; чувствительность к свету ryšiai: sinonimas – fotojautrumas …   Chemijos terminų aiškinamasis žodynas

  • photosensitivity — fotojautris statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. photosensitivity vok. Photoempfindlichkeit, f rus. фоточувствительность, f pranc. photosensibilité, f; sensibilité photoélectrique, f …   Fizikos terminų žodynas

  • photosensitivity — photosensitive ► ADJECTIVE ▪ responding to light. DERIVATIVES photosensitivity noun …   English terms dictionary

  • Photosensitivity in animals — Photosensitivity reactions, aka photosensitization, are abnormal skin reactions in animals when exposed to direct sunlight. It is unrelated to a sunburn. These reactions are due to the accumulation of photosensitive compounds beneath the skin.… …   Wikipedia

  • photosensitivity dermatitis — any dermatitis occurring as a manifestation of photosensitivity, such as chronic actinic dermatitis, photoallergic contact dermatitis, or phototoxic dermatitis …   Medical dictionary

  • photosensitivity — noun see photosensitive …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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