The Sun – Friend and Foe for Children and Adolescents. An Update on Acquired Photodermatoses

Abstract

Introduction

The ultraviolet radiation – although a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum – is responsible for most photodermatoses in humans.

Material and methods

We performed a narrative literature review using Pubmed on acquired photodermatoses in children and adolescents.

Results

In children and adolescents acute and chronic light eruptions, and exogenous photosensitization including photo-aggravated atopic dermatitis are observed. Clinical examination, medical and drug history, and photo-testing are the mainstay of diagnostics. In some cases, photo-provocation, histopathology and genetic analysis are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. In contrast to adults, chronic photodermatoses are less common.

Conclusions

Acquired photodermatoses are not uncommon during childhood. Sun protection by behavioral changes, clothing and sunscreens are the essentials of any treatment.

Zusammenfassung

Einleitung

Die ultraviolette Strahlung – obwohl sie nur einen kleinen Teil des elektromagnetischen Spektrums ausmacht – ist für die meisten Photodermatosen beim Menschen verantwortlich.

Material und Methoden

Wir führten eine narrative Literaturrecherche mit Pubmed zu erworbenen Photodermatosen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen durch.

Ergebnisse

Bei Kindern und Jugendlichen werden akute und chronische Lichteruptionen sowie exogene Photosensibilisierung einschließlich lichtverschlimmerter atopischer Dermatitis beobachtet. Klinische Untersuchungen, Anamnese und Fotountersuchungen sind die Hauptstützen der Diagnostik. In einigen Fällen sind Photoprovokation, Histopathologie und genetische Analyse notwendig, um die Diagnose zu bestätigen. Im Gegensatz zu Erwachsenen sind chronische Photodermatosen seltener.

Schlussfolgerungen

Erworbene Photodermatosen sind im Kindesalter keine Seltenheit. Sonnenschutz durch Verhaltensänderungen, Kleidung und Sonnenschutzmittel sind das A und O jeder Behandlung.

Keywords

photodermatoses - ultraviolet light - sun protection - children and adolescents

Schlüsselwörter

Photodermatosen - Ultraviolettstrahlung - Sonnenschutz - Kinder und Jugendliche

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
24. April 2025

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