Evaluation and management of photosensitivity in children.

ABSTRACT

Photosensitive disorders in children are not uncommon in our country. It is often difficult to establish the diagnosis, either due to confusing presentation or ignorance by the parents. We review the presentation and management of photosensitive disorders in children.Detailed history and thorough clinical examination is essential in arriving at a particular diagnosis. Photosensitive disorders in children are idiopathic, or related to nutritional, genetic, metabolic or connective tissue diseases. Most photosensitive disorders begin in infancy or childhood and persist for invariable period during adulthood. However, their severity decreases with age. As there is no definitive treatment in most of the cases, the only treatment is prevention from further exposure to sunlight. Our aim should be to minimize the photo damage which can be achieved by adopting different methods of photoprotection. Photoprotection can be achieved by using adequate sunscreens, proper clothing and avoidance of sun exposure. It is recommended that these children and their parents should be adequately counseled about the disease and different methods of photoprotection. This article describes how to diagnose photosensitive disorders in children and its management.