Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022 Jun;36 Suppl 6:51-58

Oncodermatology Department, Claudius REGAUD Institute and Cancer University Institute, Toulouse Oncopole, Toulouse Cedex 9, France.

Drug-induced photosensitivity is associated with a wide range of anticancer treatments, including conventional chemotherapeutic agents, targeted anticancer therapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. These dermatologic adverse events can have a major impact on the well-being and quality of life of cancer patients, leading to dose modifications and interruption or discontinuation of anticancer treatments in severe cases. However, the heterogeneous nature of the photosensitive reactions induced by these agents, as well as the common concomitant use of other potentially photosensitizing drugs (antibiotics, voriconazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2022 May 27;101(21):e29416. Epub 2022 May 27.

University Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.

Rationale: Whereas metronidazole-induced hepatotoxicity is quite rare in the general population, in individuals carrying a nucleotide excision repair disorder, namely Cockayne syndrome, there is a high risk of developing this complication.

Patient Concerns: We report the case of a 44-year-old man, affected by xeroderma pigmentosum, who was admitted to the hospital presenting aspiration pneumoniae caused by worsening dysphagia and with severe hepatotoxicity during the hospitalization.

Diagnoses: Acute hepatitis, which was leading to acute liver failure, occurred during antibiotic treatment with metronidazole and ceftazidime with an elevation of liver enzymes consistent with hepatocellular damage pattern. Read More

ACS Omega 2022 Apr 13;7(16):13870-13877. Epub 2022 Apr 13.

Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences and Humanities, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University 11892 Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

Clopamide (CPD, ) is a piperidine and sulfamoylbenzamide-based diuretic drug and a potential photosensitizing sulfonamide; its phototransformation was investigated using ,-dimethylaniline (DMA) as an electron donor and 1,4-dicyanonaphthalene (DCN) as an electron acceptor in an immersion-well-type photochemical reactor fitted with a medium-pressure mercury vapor lamp (450 W). Photodegradation of the drug Clopamide resulted in two significant products via photoinduced electron transfer. Structures of these products were deduced from their H NMR, C NMR, mass, and IR spectra. Read More

Cureus 2022 Apr 2;14(4):e23754. Epub 2022 Apr 2.

Dermatology, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, USA.

Drug-induced hyperpigmentation is an adverse cutaneous effect; it has been associated with several systemic medications. A healthy 40-year-old man developed facial and dorsal hand hyperpigmentation within two weeks of beginning doxycycline monohydrate 100 milligrams twice daily for acne. Skin pigmentation significantly diminished at a follow-up evaluation two months after discontinuing the medication. Read More

J Gen Fam Med 2022 May 5;23(3):185-186. Epub 2021 Nov 5.

Asunaro Clinic Takasaki City Japan.

The patient visited our office complaining of a desquamating eruption on his face since two months. On extensive history-taking, he had received oral finasteride for four months to prevent alopecia androgenetica, indicating drug-induced photosensitivity. Withdrawal of finasteride for two weeks resulted in an improvement in the facial rash. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2022 ;1367:369-381

Department of Dermatology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan.

Photodermatosis is an abnormal skin inflammatory reaction to light. The major classifications of photodermatoses are idiopathic photodermatoses, photodermatoses due to exogenous or endogenous agents, photo-exacerbated dermatoses, and photosensitive genodermatoses. In this chapter, we focus on idiopathic photodermatoses and drug-related photodermatoses and emphasize on the epidemiology and immunogenetic backgrounds. Read More

J Phys Chem B 2022 03 10;126(10):2098-2107. Epub 2022 Feb 10.

Department of Chemistry and Biological Science, Aoyama Gakuin University, 5-10-1 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5258, Japan.

Ketoprofen (KP) is one of the most popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; however, drug-induced photosensitivity of KP has been reported as a serious adverse effect. KP incorporated into a protein can produce an allergen under UV irradiation, which causes drug-induced photosensitivity. The photochemistry of KP with 20 kinds of proteinogenic amino acids in phosphate buffer solutions at pH 7. Read More

Clin Case Rep 2022 Jan 20;10(1):e05251. Epub 2022 Jan 20.

Department of Clinical Genetics Odense University Hospital and Clinical Institute University of Southern Denmark Odense Denmark.

We present a case with a phototoxic reaction following topical use of NSAID. The phototoxic reaction was initially mistaken for cellulitis which led to treatment with dicloxacillin, which led to an exanthematous drug eruption. The patient was treated with topical clobetasol propionate and oral non-sedating antihistamines. Read More

Nat Rev Cardiol 2022 05 6;19(5):302-313. Epub 2022 Jan 6.

Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.

Patients with heart failure are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared with the general population, particularly during domestic or international travel. Patients with heart failure should adhere to specific recommendations during travel to lower their risk of developing heart failure symptoms. In this Review, we aim to provide clinicians with a set of guidelines for patients with heart failure embarking on national or international travel. Read More

Cureus 2021 Oct 22;13(10):e18961. Epub 2021 Oct 22.

Allergy, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Madrid, ESP.

Reactions caused by photosensitivity, also called photodermatosis, are cutaneous reactions induced or exacerbated by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, including UV radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation. We present the case of a 41-year-old man with no personal history of allergy and who is referred to our Drug Allergy Unit for study. We performed a conventional patch test (non-irradiated) and photopatch (with the application of UVA) with reading at 48 and 96 hours and 24 hours after irradiation with an intensity of 5J/cm2. Read More

Pediatrics 2021 10 30;148(4). Epub 2021 Sep 30.

National Xeroderma Pigmentosum Service, St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.

A teenage girl had the rare combined phenotype of xeroderma pigmentosum and trichothiodystrophy, resulting from mutations in the XPD (ERCC2) gene involved in nucleotide excision repair (NER). After treatment with antibiotics, including metronidazole for recurrent infections, she showed signs of acute and severe hepatotoxicity, which gradually resolved after withdrawal of the treatment. Cultured skin fibroblasts from the patient revealed cellular sensitivity to killing by metronidazole compared with cells from a range of other donors. Read More

Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021 Jul 26;14(8). Epub 2021 Jul 26.

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland.

Photosensitivity is one of the most common cutaneous adverse drug reactions. There are two types of drug-induced photosensitivity: photoallergy and phototoxicity. Currently, the number of photosensitization cases is constantly increasing due to excessive exposure to sunlight, the aesthetic value of a tan, and the increasing number of photosensitizing substances in food, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Read More

J S Afr Vet Assoc 2021 05 6;92(0):e1-e6. Epub 2021 May 6.

Humansdorp Veterinary Clinic, Humansdorp.

Holstein cows on a farm in the Humansdorp district, Eastern Cape province, South Africa, developed reddened, painful teat skin 3 days after grazing a mixed forage crop dominated by bulb turnip (Brassica rapa, Barkant cultivar). The crop was grazed 45 days after planting and 10% of the herd developed symptoms. More characteristic non-pigmented skin lesions started manifesting 1-2 days after the appearance of the teat lesions. Read More

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2021 Jan;19(1):19-29

Disease Modeling and Organoid Technology (DMOT) research group, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

Drug-induced photosensitivity, the development of phototoxic or photoallergic reactions due to pharmaceuticals and subsequent exposure to ultraviolet or visible light, is an adverse effect of growing interest. This is illustrated by the broad spectrum of recent investigations on the topic, ranging from molecular mechanisms and culprit drugs through epidemiological as well as public health related issues to long-term photoaging and potential photocarcinogenic consequences. The present review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the topic while focusing on culprit drugs and long-term effects. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2021 Mar 2;37(2):99-104. Epub 2021 Feb 2.

Dermatology Department, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.

Pellagra is a clinical syndrome caused by a deficiency of niacin (nicotinic acid) and/or its precursor tryptophan. The cardinal manifestations are 4 D's: dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia and in worst case death. Increased use of isoniazid prophylaxis along with antiretroviral therapy in countries where latent tuberculosis is common has been associated with increased presentations with pellagra. Read More

Cureus 2020 Nov 18;12(11):e11546. Epub 2020 Nov 18.

Dermatology, San Diego Family Dermatology, National City, USA.

Antibiotics have been observed to cause drug-induced reactions. These can include a cutaneous adverse reaction to the drug (CARD) such as photosensitivity. A 51-year-old woman initiated doxycycline monohydrate for rosacea. Read More

Pharmaceutics 2020 Nov 17;12(11). Epub 2020 Nov 17.

Dermatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy.

Photosensitivity induced by drugs is a widely experienced problem, concerning both molecule design and clinical practice. Indeed, photo-induced cutaneous eruptions represent one of the most common drug adverse events and are frequently an important issue to consider in the therapeutic management of patients. Phototoxicity and photoallergy are the two different pathogenic mechanisms involved in photosensitization. Read More

Eur J Pharm Sci 2020 Dec 18;155:105519. Epub 2020 Aug 18.

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan. Electronic address:

Topical application of phylloquinone (PK) is beneficial to the skin; however, its topical use is limited in Europe owing to its photosensitive properties such as photodegradation and phototoxicity. We evaluated the suitability of ester derivatives of phyllohydroquinone (PKH), the active form of PK, for topical application to overcome the abovementioned problems of PK. We used the PKH derivatives PKH-1,4-bis-N,N-dimethylglycinate hydrochloride (PKH-DMG) and PKH-1,4-bis-hemisuccinate (PKH-SUC) for our studies. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2020 Sep 23;19(9):2394-2400. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Although cosmetic products such as sunscreens and moisturizers are generally considered safe, they can be less effective or harmful if used improperly. Thus, pharmacist's awareness about cosmeceuticals is pivotal in counseling about the ingredients and the proper use of such products.

Objective: To evaluate the awareness level of community pharmacists regarding cosmetic products particularly sunscreens and moisturizers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2020 Nov 5;36(6):441-451. Epub 2020 Jul 5.

Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Dermatology Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.

Background: Systemic drugs are a potentially reversible cause of photosensitivity. We explore prevalence, impact, phototest findings and culprit drugs.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients was diagnosed with drug-induced photosensitivity in a specialist photoinvestigation centre (2000-2016), using data recorded in standardized pro forma. Read More

Pharmaceut Med 2019 04;33(2):121-133

Epidemiology, Worldwide Safety and Regulatory, Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, USA.

Background: Voriconazole is an extended-spectrum antifungal agent approved for the treatment and prophylaxis of invasive aspergillosis and other serious fungal infections. In 2014, additional risk minimization measures (aRMM) consisting of a Healthcare Professional (HCP) Question and Answer (Q&A) Brochure, HCP Checklist, and Patient Alert Card were implemented on a rolling basis across the European Union (EU) to mitigate three key risks with voriconazole: phototoxicity, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin, and hepatotoxicity. The risks of phototoxicity and hepatotoxicity have been documented in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) since voriconazole was first approved in the EU in 2002. Read More

J Dermatol 2020 Feb 16;47(2):174-177. Epub 2019 Dec 16.

Department of, Dermatology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS), also referred to as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), is a severe hypersensitivity drug reaction affecting the skin and multiple internal organ systems. We report a 47-year-old man with DIHS/DRESS and comorbidities (fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus, valsartan-induced photosensitivity, vitiligo and acute interstitial nephritis). Although acute interstitial nephritis usually appears in the early phase, his is a rare case of acute interstitial nephritis more than 2 years after the onset of DIHS/DRESS. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2019 6;34:12. Epub 2019 Sep 6.

Service de Dermatologie-Vénérologie, Hôpital Militaire d'Instruction Mohammed V, Rabat, Maroc.

Polymorphic lucite (PL) is a frequent photodermatosis, but its pathophysiologic mechanism is still poorly elucidated. We report the case of a 54-year old male teacher, with no previous medical-surgical history, presenting with recurrent papular and very pruritic rash lasting for 12 years. Clinical examination showed papular-vesicular excoriated lesions on the face, the neck and the scalp. Read More

Eur J Hosp Pharm 2019 Sep 17;26(5):288-289. Epub 2018 Dec 17.

Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, F-35000 Rennes, France.

Terbinafine is an antifungaldrug(inhibitor of ergosterol synthesis) known to induce skin reactions. A 58-year-old female was treated with terbinafine for onychomycosis. On the fifth day of treatment a skin rash emerged on her sun-exposed areas. Read More

Ther Clin Risk Manag 2019 12;15:1111-1119. Epub 2019 Sep 12.

Department of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań 60-781, Poland.

Purpose: Older people are at risk of developing adverse drug reactions, including photosensitivity reactions. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the use of potentially photosensitizing medications and photoprotection in the elderly population.

Patients And Methods: Three hundred and fifty-six respondents (223 [63%] women and 133 [37%] men) aged ≥65 years filled in the original questionnaire concerning photosensitivity reactions to drugs. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020 Mar 26;34(3):589-600. Epub 2019 Nov 26.

Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Background: Drug-induced photosensitivity refers to the development of cutaneous adverse events due to interaction between a pharmaceutical compound and sunlight. Although photosensitivity is a very commonly listed side-effect of systemic drugs, reliable data on its actual incidence are lacking so far.

Objectives: A possible approach to evaluate the real-life extent of drug-induced photosensitivity would be an analysis of the frequency of exposure to a given photosensitizing drug combined with an indicator of its photosensitizing potential. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Aug;98(31):e16392

Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute.

Rationale: Vandetanib is effective for treating symptomatic or progressive medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease, but its toxicity such as photosensitivity reactions should be considered. It is a rare adverse effect of this drug but might cause severe morbidity and even mortality.

Patient Concerns: A 26-year man with MTC developed phototoxic rashes on the sun-exposed areas of his shin after 15 days from the initiation of vandetanib treatment. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2019 Sep 6;35(5):369-371. Epub 2019 Jun 6.

Research Department, Moy-Fincher-Chipps Facial Plastics & Dermatology, Beverly Hills, California.

Drug-induced photosensitivity develops when the use of oral or topical photosensitizing medications creates a rash after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Medications most commonly implicated in photosensitive drug reactions include amiodarone, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, thiazides, tetracycline antibiotics, chlorpromazine, and fluoroquinolones. It is generally believed that drug-induced photosensitivity is an UVA phenomenon, caused by UV wavelengths between 315 and 400 nm. Read More

Drug Saf 2019 07;42(7):827-847

Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Photosensitive drug eruptions are cutaneous adverse events due to exposure to a medication and either ultraviolet or visible radiation. In this review, the diagnosis, prevention and management of drug-induced photosensitivity is discussed. Diagnosis is based largely on the history of drug intake and the appearance of the eruption primarily affecting sun-exposed areas of the skin. Read More