Systematic Review of Oral and Topical Botanicals in Reducing Photosensitivity

Suzana Saric, Ashley K. Clark and Raja K. Sivamani*

Systematic Review of Oral and Topical Botanicals in Reducing Photosensitivity.

Photosensitivity, commonly referred to as sun sensitivity, is a term used to describe
inflammation triggered by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. The American College of Rheumatology
explains that photosensitivity is a ‘skin rash as a result of unusual reaction to sunlight,
by patient history or physician observation.

Specifically, photosensitivity is caused by an abnormal reaction to a component of the electromagnetic
spectrum of sunlight and a chromophore within the skin.

The characteristics of photosensitivity vary with the type of photosensitivity.
The presentation can manifest as macular erythema, papules, plaques,
vesicles, bullae, telangiectasias, or eczematous patches usually in sun-exposed areas of the skin.

The differential diagnosis of photosensitivity is large and includes genetic and metabolic
diseases, photochemical sensitivity, idiopathic photosensitivity and other systemic and cutaneous
diseases where photosensitivity is a part of a larger symptom complex.

Aggravation of skin symptoms from sunlight exposure is a common presentation
of various rheumatologic diseases.
There have been recent advances in the understanding of photosensitive rheumatic
diseases, especially cutaneous lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis.

Studies suggest mechanisms for photosensitivity include: modulation of autoantibodies
production of free radicals, cytotoxic effects, apoptosis induction, upregulation cytokines,
induction of nitric oxide synthase expression and ultraviolet-generated antigenic DNA.

In concert with the mechanisms discussed, some studies suggest that supplementation
with antioxidants may be beneficial. Plant extract antioxidants and immune modulating
mechanisms are a promising approach to protecting photosensitive skin from damaging UV radiation.

Dermatol Open J. 2017; 2(2): 21-30. doi: 10.17140/DRMTOJ-2-124

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