What Is Photosensitivity?
3. Drug-Induced Photosensitivity
Drug-induced photosensitivity refers to the abnormal reaction seen due to the combined effects of light and a chemical. This means that exposure to either light or chemical on its own will not be sufficient to cause any issues. These reactions can occur in both oral and topical medications.
These reactions occur due to the damage caused by the compounds present on cell membranes. It should not be confused with photoallergic reactions that are caused by the effect of the immune response to a light-activated compound. The incidence of photoallergy is less than phototoxicity.
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