Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Eur J Dermatol 2018 Dec;28(6):850-851

Department of Dermatology, General Hospital "Dr. Manuel Gea González", Mexico City, Mexico.

Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2019 Feb;56(1):32-40

Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.

Photo-contact dermatitis (PCD) describes the adverse cutaneous reaction that occurs in some patients as a result of simultaneous exposure to a contactant and to light. PCD can be subdivided into photo-allergic and photo-irritant dermatitis depending on whether the contactant respectively invokes an allergic or irritant reaction. Photo-irritant reactions are commonly caused by plants, psoralens, and medications taken internally, whereas photo-allergic reactions are commonly caused by sunscreens and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Read More

Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2018 Apr-Jun;61(2):225-227

Department of Stomatology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Actinic prurigo (AP) is an idiopathic photodermatosis; the initial manifestations usually occur during the first decades of life but can appear at any age. Cases are usually diagnosed late once the lesions have exacerbated; due to the extensive involvement of the vermilion border and the etiology, it has been confused with and related to a potentially malignant process. Syndecan-1 and E-cadherin were positive in the epidermis, with moderate-to-intense staining in 100% of samples. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2017 Nov-Dec;92(6):774-778

Dermatology Department, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Mexico City, Mexico.

Background: Actinic prurigo (AP) is an idiopathic photodermatosis. Although its initial manifestations can appear in 6 to 8-year-old children, cases are diagnosed later, between the second and fourth decades of life, when the injuries are exacerbated.

Objective: To identify risk factors associated with clinical manifestations of AP such as skin and mucosal lesions. Read More

Dermatol Reports 2017 Mar 1;9(1):7050. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

Department of Dermatology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway.

Actinic prurigo is a pruritic sun-induced dermatosis classified among the immunologically mediated photodermatoses. The disease is a well-known entity among Native Americans and in Central and South America, however rare in Caucasians with only a few reports from Australia, Britain and France. We report the first case of actinic prurigo in a Scandinavian patient, responding favorably to systemic treatment with cyclosporine A. Read More

Photochem Photobiol Sci 2017 Sep;16(9):1471-1479

Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana" University of Salerno, Italy.

Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is described as a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (DTHR) toward a de novo light-induced antigen, yet to be identified. In effect, the inflammatory pathways of PLE and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) share common patterns in terms of the mediators involved from the innate and adaptive immune system participating in the DTHR. As we have previously highlighted the role of interleukin (IL)-1 family members in ACD, we hypothesised that the same mediators could have similar functions in PLE. Read More

Acta Derm Venereol 2017 Nov;97(10):1196-1201

Melanoma Unit, Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínic and IDIBAPS (Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer), Barcelona, Spain.

Patients with photodermatoses or actinic keratosis benefit from very high ultraviolet B-ultraviolet A (UVB-UVA) photoprotection. However, poor compliance is an issue that jeopardizes adequate protection, leading to disease recurrence. This study evaluated the efficacy of a daily protective moisturizer with high UVB and UVA photoprotection applied 8 h before irradiation. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2017 Oct 23;108(8):752-757. Epub 2017 May 23.

Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Introduction: Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is a common idiopathic photodermatosis that typically presents with pruritic papular or papulovesicular lesions on sun-exposed skin between spring and autumn. In many subjects PLE is mild, and can usually be prevented by the use of broad-spectrum topical sunscreens and a gradual increase in sunlight exposure. However, in some individuals, sunlight exposure results in florid PLE and they often benefit from prophylactic desensitization treatment using phototherapy in early spring, an artificial method that induces a "hardening" phenomenon. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2017 Jun 27;56(6):e135-e136. Epub 2017 Feb 27.

Dermatology, Dr. Manuel Gea González, General Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico.

Clin Dermatol 2016 Nov - Dec;34(6):724-735. Epub 2016 Jul 12.

University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Farmington, CT.

Photodermatoses are a group of skin disorders caused by abnormal reaction to ultraviolet radiation. Photodermatoses are divided into four groups: (1) immunologically mediated photodermatoses; (2) chemical- and drug-induced photodermatoses; (3) photoaggravated dermatoses; and (4) hereditary photodermatoses. This contribution discusses differences in the approach and diagnosis of pediatric and adult patients with suspected photodermatoses, focusing on immunologically mediated photodermatoses and chemical- and drug-induced photodermatoses. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016 Nov 4;30(11):e140-e142. Epub 2015 Nov 4.

Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.

Exp Dermatol 2016 12;25(12):999-1001

Research Unit for Photodermatology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

The primary trigger of polymorphic light eruption (PLE) remains to be uncovered. We hypothesize that PLE may be initiated by elements resulting from UV-induced damage to microbial communities of the skin, leading to a cascade of events eventually resulting in the skin rash of the disease. One mechanism by which epidermal injury by UV radiation could trigger PLE are danger signals such as damage or pathogen associated molecular patterns DAMP/PAMPs or commensal-associated molecular patterns (CAMPs). Read More

Eur J Dermatol 2016 Jun;26(3):304-6

Photobiology Unit, "Andreas Sygros" Hospital for Skin, Venereal Diseases, First Department of Dermatology, University of Athens Medical School, Greece - 5 I Dragoumi Str, 16121 Athens.

An Bras Dermatol 2016 Jan-Feb;91(1):23-6

Dr. Manuel Gea González General Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico.

Background: Actinic prurigo is an idiopathic photodermatosis, the pathophysiology of which has been hypothesized to involve subtype IV type b (Th2) hypersensitive response, whereby IL4, IL5, and IL13 are secreted and mediate the production of B cells, IgE, and IgG4.

Objectives: To examine the association of serum IgE levels and the clinical severity of injuries.

Methods: This case-control study comprised patients with a clinical and histopathological diagnosis of actinic prurigo, as well as clinically healthy subjects, from whom 3cc of peripheral blood was taken for immunoassay. Read More

Am J Dermatopathol 2016 Jun;38(6):418-22

*Department of Pathology, Division of Dermatopathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; †Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez, Mexico City, Mexico; Departments of ‡Pathology, and §Dermatology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston TX; ¶Hospital General De Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico; ‖Division of Dermatology and Pathology, Hospital Obrero, La Paz, Bolivia; and **Department of Pathology, Dental School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Actinic prurigo (AP) is a chronic idiopathic photodermatosis that primarily affects American Indians in the United States and Mestizos in Latin American countries. Clinically, the onset of the disease is usually in the first decade of life but may appear initially in adult life, and it is characterized by symmetric involvement of sun-exposed areas of the skin, particularly areas of the face, resulting in polymorphic erythematous papules, macules, and plaques in different stages of evolution. Lower lip involvement includes swelling, scaling, fissures, hyperpigmentation, and ulcerations of the vermilion border. Read More

Skinmed 2015 Jul-Aug;13(4):287-95; quiz 296. Epub 2015 Aug 1.

Dermatology Department, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, México DF, Mexico.

Actinic prurigo is an idiopathic photodermatosis that affects the skin, as well as the labial and conjunctival mucosa in indigenous and mestizo populations of Latin America. It starts predominantly in childhood, has a chronic course, and is exacerbated with solar exposure. Little is known of its pathophysiology, including the known mechanisms of the participation of HLA-DR4 and an abnormal immunologic response with increase of T CD4+ lymphocytes. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2016 Jun 30;174(6):1411-4. Epub 2016 Mar 30.

Photobiology Unit, Department of Dermatology, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, DD1 9SY, U.K.

Photochem Photobiol 2016 03 11;92(2):355-359. Epub 2016 Feb 11.

National Skin Center, Singapore, Singapore.

Studies have reported the association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes with susceptibility to develop actinic prurigo (AP) in Caucasians, but there were no studies in Asian populations, including the Chinese. Our study was performed to determine if AP is associated with susceptibility or protective HLA alleles or haplotypes in Singaporean Chinese. All Chinese patients diagnosed with AP at National Skin Center, Singapore, from January 2002 to April 2015 were invited to participate in the study. Read More

J Clin Exp Dent 2015 Dec 1;7(5):e656-9. Epub 2015 Dec 1.

Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez General Hospital, Dermatology, Mexico City.

Background: Actinic prurigo (AP) is a type of photodermatosis, the pathophysiology of which has not been determined. AP has been suggested to be a hypersensitivity reaction to the presence of eosinophils and the local production of IgE.

Material And Methods: Descriptive study, using paraffin blocks of tissue that have been diagnosed with AP from the Dermopathology department, Hospital General Dr. Read More

Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal 2016 Jan 1;21(1):e53-8. Epub 2016 Jan 1.

Department of Dermatology, Dr. Manuel Gea González General Hospital, Calzada de Tlalpan 4800, Sección XVI Delegación Tlalpan, México, D.F. C.P 14080,

Background: Actinic prurigo (AP) is an idiopathic photodermatosis, this entity requires exposure to UV-B and -A to develop lesions. Apoptosis is a physiological death program that can be initiated by a permanently active mechanism (extrinsic pathway) or irreparable damage (intrinsic pathway).

Material And Methods: Descriptive study, the sample size comprised 64 paraffin blocks of tissue with a diagnosis of AP. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2016 Feb 11;74(2):363-9. Epub 2015 Nov 11.

Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. Electronic address:

Pruritus is a common and often times difficult to treat symptom in many dermatologic and systemic diseases. For pruritus with an inflammatory or autoimmune origin, therapies such as topical corticosteroids and antihistamines are often initiated. However, in the case that these and additional systemic therapies are ineffective, thalidomide, an immunomodulator and neuromodulator, may be a useful alternative treatment. Read More

Tex Dent J 2015 Mar;132(3):168-9, 212-3

Exp Dermatol 2015 Jul;24(7):489-90

Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Med Clin (Barc) 2015 Nov 3;145(9):415-6. Epub 2015 Mar 3.

Sección de Neumología, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Tarragona, España.

J Am Acad Dermatol 2015 Apr 21;72(4):703-11. Epub 2015 Jan 21.

Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.

Thalidomide is resurging in the management of adult rheumatologic skin conditions, especially lupus erythematosus. Although use in pediatric patients is reported since the 1990s, there are no systematic reviews describing treatment in children. Thalidomide has immunomodulatory and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α effects as well as antiangiogenic properties, making it useful for a broad spectrum of inflammatory disorders. Read More

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2015 Jan-Feb;81(1):82-4

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India.

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2015 Mar 2;31(2):115-7. Epub 2014 Dec 2.

Oral Pathology Laboratory, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico; Department of Dermatology, Dr. Manuel Gea González General Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico.

World J Clin Cases 2014 Aug;2(8):385-90

Ana MO Miranda, Thiago M Ferrari, Juliana T Werneck, Arley Silva Junior, Karin SG Cunha, Eliane P Dias, Department of Pathology, Federal Fluminense University, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro 24220-008, Brazil.

Actinic prurigo is a photodermatosis that can affect the skin, conjunctiva and lips. It is caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight and is more common in high-altitude living people, mainly in indigenous descendants. The diagnosis of actinic prurigo can be challenging, mainly when lip lesions are the only manifestation, which is not a common clinical presentation. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2014 Jul;32(3):335-44, viii

Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Henry Ford Medical Center - New Center One, 3031 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.

Actinic prurigo is a chronic photodermatosis with onset in childhood or before 20 years of age. It is most prevalent in Amerindians and Latin American mestizos, although it has been reported worldwide. Patients present with photodistributed, erythematous excoriated papules, cheilitis, and conjunctivitis. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2014 Jul 5;32(3):267-75, vii. Epub 2014 May 5.

Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Henry Ford Hospital, 3031 West Grand Boulevard, Suite 800, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. Electronic address:

The systematic evaluation of photosensitive patients involves a comprehensive history, physical examination, phototesting, and, if necessary, photopatch testing and laboratory evaluation. Polymorphous light eruption, chronic actinic dermatitis, solar urticaria, and photosensitivity secondary to systemic medications are the most commonly encountered photodermatoses in dermatology clinics worldwide. Read More

Exp Dermatol 2014 Jun;23(6):428-30

Research Unit for Photodermatology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

The pathogenesis of polymorphic light eruption (PLE) has been linked to a lack of UV-induced immune suppression. To determine the role of Langerhans cells (LC), mast cells and regulatory T cells, biopsies from PLE patients were taken from exposed sites in spring before and after photohardening with 311 nm or PUVA as well as again in summer. Skin sections were assessed for the presence of Langerin/CD1a+ LC and CD3+, CD4+, CD25+ or FoxP3+ T cells and mast cells. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2013 Nov;12(11):1285-6

Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) is the most common of the immunologically mediated photodermatoses. Onset is typically within the first three decades of life and affects females two to three times more than males. It occurs 30 minutes to 1-3 days after sun exposure and usually resolves in 7 to 10 days. Read More

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2013 Nov-Dec;79(6):783-8

Department of Dermatology, National Skin Centre, Singapore.

Background: Actinic prurigo (AP) is a chronic, pruritic skin condition caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight.

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the clinical characteristics of AP in patients attending the National Skin Centre, Singapore, from 1 st January 1999 to 30 th June 2008.

Methods: Cases of AP diagnosed from 1 st January 1999 to 30 th June 2008 were retrieved from the center's electronic medical records and analyzed. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2014 Sep 22;53(9):1080-5. Epub 2013 Aug 22.

Department of Dermatology, Dr Manuel Gea González General Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico.

Background: Actinic prurigo (AP) is an idiopathic photodermatosis that usually onsets during childhood and predominates in women. It is characterized by the symmetrical involvement of sun-exposed areas of the skin, lips, and conjunctiva.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the risk factors associated with AP using a case-control design. Read More

Med Clin (Barc) 2014 Apr 3;142(8):360-4. Epub 2013 Jul 3.

Servicio de Clínica Médica, Hospital Provincial del Centenario, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.

Thalidomide is a synthetic glutamic acid derivative first introduced in 1956 in Germany as an over the counter medications. It was thought to be one of the safest sedatives ever produced as it was effective in small doses, was not addictive, and did not have acute side-effects such as motor impairment, but was quickly removed from market after it was linked to cases of severe birth defects. The Food and Drug Administration approved use in the treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum. Read More

Curr Opin Pediatr 2013 Aug;25(4):474-9

Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Although rare in the pediatric population, photosensitive dermatoses may begin prior to adulthood. The causes of photosensitivity are diverse, ranging from primary, immunologically mediated disorders of photosensitivity to inherited genetic or metabolic disorders. This review will highlight the key features of these disorders to familiarize the pediatric practitioner with their symptoms and any associated extracutaneous clinical or laboratory findings that may accompany them. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2013 Oct;169(4):910-5

Photobiology Unit, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, DD1 9SY, U.K.

Background: A preliminary investigation showed that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) emissions from compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can pose a risk to the skin of photosensitive individuals.

Objectives: To carry out a larger-scale study, in patients with a range of photodermatoses, to assess this risk. To determine a safe alternative light source for photosensitive individuals. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2012 Dec;28(6):290-2

Photobiology Unit, Dermatology Centre, School of Translational Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.

Background/purpose: Abnormal cutaneous sensitivity to the ultraviolet and/or visible radiation in sunlight characterizes photosensitivity disorders. Little is known regarding their impact in childhood. Our objective was to characterize childhood photosensitivity disorders presenting to a photoinvestigation unit, evaluating their impact on quality of life (QoL). Read More

Photochem Photobiol Sci 2013 Jan;12(1):65-77

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029, India.

Photodermatoses are a group of skin diseases primarily caused by, or exacerbated by exposure to ultraviolet and or visible radiation. The effect of sunlight on skin depends on a number of factors including skin colour, skin phototype and the content and type of melanin in the skin. There are only a few studies describing photodermatoses in populations with dark skin. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2012 Oct 28;30(4):667-84, vii. Epub 2012 Jul 28.

UC Davis Dermatopathology Service, Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, 3301 C Street, Suite 1400, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA.

The complex and fascinating spectrum of inflammatory skin disease, and the comprehension of it, is ever expanding and evolving. During the first decade of the 21st century, numerous advances in the understanding of inflammatory disease mechanisms have occurred, particularly in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Continuation of this trend will assure a future in which molecular tests for biomarkers of immediate clinical relevance are used in routine patient care, not only for diagnosis but also for prognosis and management. Read More

Photochem Photobiol Sci 2012 Dec;11(12):1831-6

Research Unit for Photodermatology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

Background: Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is a very common condition whose pathogenesis may involve immunological abnormalities. Vitamin D sufficiency is thought to be important for normal immune function.

Objective: To determine whether PLE patients are vitamin D deficient and to study how photohardening with 311 nm UVB affects the vitamin D status of PLE patients. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2010 Sep-Oct;85(5):733-5

Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, SP, Brasil.

A 13-year-old black boy had pruritic papular and nodular lesions on his forearms associated to edema of the lower lip, photophobia, conjunctivitis and pterygium. Skin biopsy of the lower lip revealed acanthosis, spongiosis with dermal perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration composed by lymphocytes, plasma cells and eosinophils consistent with actinic prurigo. Lesions improved considerably with the use of thalidomide 100mg/ day. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2010 Jul;28(3):577-86

Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, BCM Debakey Building M220, One Baylor Plaza, Mail Stop BCM368, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Thalidomide is approved for treating erythema nodosum leprosum and multiple myeloma, but it has also emerged as a useful treatment option for many refractory dermatologic disorders. Some of the innovative but off-label uses of thalidomide include aphthous stomatitis, Behçet's disease, lupus erythematosus, prurigo nodularis, sarcoidosis, actinic prurigo, graft-versus-host disease, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, erythema multiforme, lichen planus, Kaposi sarcoma, Jessner lymphocytic infiltrate, uremic pruritus, pyoderma gangrenosum, scleroderma, scleromyxedema, and necrobiosis lipoidica. This article reviews the background, pharmacology, and innovative uses of thalidomide in dermatology. Read More

Pediatr Dermatol 2010 Jan-Feb;27(1):97-8

Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA.

In diagnosing actinic prurigo (AP), the patients' ethnic background is very helpful as this condition is associated with very specific ethnic groups. We discuss a patient with an unknown family history who presented with a rash that initially seemed like lupus, but was subsequently diagnosed as AP upon further evaluations. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2009 Nov 8;23(11):1348; author reply 1349. Epub 2009 Sep 8.

J Dent Child (Chic) 2009 May-Aug;76(2):156-60

Pediatric Dentistry Department, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.

Actinic prurigo is a rare form of light sensitivity not previously described with hypodontia in the dental literature. The purpose of this report was to describe both the medical and dental management of a 12-year-old boy presenting with actinic prurigo, hypodontia, crowding, caries, and tooth tissue loss. The phases of dental treatment and the multidisciplinary treatment of hypodontia are discussed. Read More

Am J Clin Dermatol 2009 ;10(3):169-80

Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.

Electromagnetic radiation may cause distinct skin conditions. The immunologically mediated photodermatoses (IMP, previous term: idiopathic photodermatoses) represent a heterogenous group of disorders presenting with pathologic skin reactions caused by optical radiation, particularly in the UVA wavelength region. The exact pathomechanism in IMP remains to be elucidated; however, it is very likely (auto)-immunologic in nature. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2009 Apr;23(4):438-40

Department of Cell Biology CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico city.

Background: Actinic Prurigo (AP) is a chronic pruritic dermatosis of unknown cause affecting sun exposed skin in defined ethnic groups with characteristic MHC alleles. However, the cutaneous dendritic cells have not been assessed.

Objective: To assess in situ the epidermal Langerhans Cell (LC) status in Actinic Prurigo. Read More