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Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd 2020 Apr;127(4):237-243

The medicament afamelanotide is an analogue of endogenous ?-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It promotes cutaneous pigmentation, providing protection from sunlight. In dermatology, afamelanotide seems to establish therapeutic results for polymorphic light eruption, solar urticaria, erythropoietic protoporphyria, Hailey-Hailey disease, vitiligo and acne vulgaris. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2020 May 19. Epub 2020 May 19.

Dermatology Unit, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.

J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2020 Apr 26. Epub 2020 Apr 26.

Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Related, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan.

Isr Med Assoc J 2020 Apr;22(4):227-231

Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Background: Solar urticaria (SU) is a rare and disabling photodermatosis. SU typically manifests as urticarial wheals and erythema appearing shortly after sun exposure. SU is often initially diagnosed clinically with subsequent confirmation through photoprovocation tests. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2020 Apr 10. Epub 2020 Apr 10.

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

Background: Cutaneous exposure to sunlight is a major source of vitamin D. Individuals with photosensitivity disorders have symptoms provoked by sunlight and may not achieve the brief sunlight exposures that convey vitamin D acquisition.

Objective: To explore knowledge, behaviour and attitudes towards vitamin D and its acquisition in patients with photosensitivity. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2020 Mar 5. Epub 2020 Mar 5.

Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2020 May 12;36(3):233-240. Epub 2020 Mar 12.

Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.

Background: Previous studies at single academic institutions have identified variations in the prevalence of photodermatoses among racial groups. The purpose of the study was to compare the distribution of photodermatoses between Whites and Blacks at four academic medical centers in the USA.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed at four institutions' general dermatology clinics using diagnoses consistent with the International Classification of Disease (ICD), Ninth and Tenth Revisions, codes related to photodermatoses between August 2006 and August 2016. Read More

J Dermatol 2020 Apr 21;47(4):369-377. Epub 2020 Jan 21.

Department of Dermatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.

Solar urticaria has unique spectra, such as inhibition and augmentation. The clinical significance of these spectra, especially augmentation, is not well understood. Reported cases of solar urticaria with augmentation spectra are extremely rare in the published English-language work. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2020 Jan 18;38(1):71-77. Epub 2019 Oct 18.

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

Ultraviolet light (UV) and visible light are important components in the diagnosis of photodermatoses, and UV has the unique ability to also be used to manage photodermatoses. Phototesting, provocative light testing, and photopatch testing can provide important information in diagnosing patients with photodermatoses; phototesting can be used to determine the starting dose for phototherapy in these patients. Once photosensitivity is established, narrowband UVB and UVA1 therapy have helped to improve the quality of life of photosensitive patients, such as those with polymorphous light eruption, chronic actinic dermatitis, and solar urticaria. Read More

Cutis 2019 Jul;104(1):E4-E5

Allergy and Immunology Service, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

An Bras Dermatol 2019 Jul 29;94(3):331-333. Epub 2019 Jul 29.

Dermatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal.

Solar urticaria is a rare form of physical urticaria mediated by immunoglobulin E. The lesions appear immediately after the sun exposure, interfering with the patient's normal daily life. Omalizumab, a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, has been recently approved for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria, and the latest reports support its role also in the treatment of solar urticaria. Read More

Open Med (Wars) 2019 7;14:403-406. Epub 2019 Jun 7.

Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy Allergy an Clinical Immunology Unit, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy.

Solar urticaria is a rare type of photodermatosis that significantly reduces the quality of life of the subjects affected, with a risk of anaphylaxis should the entire body be exposed to the sun. Patients are forced to modify and limit their normal activities, and since the symptoms are triggered by exposure to sun, which is difficult if not impossible to avoid in everyday life, a safe and effective therapy appears to be essential. Unfortunately, traditional therapies in a discrete number of patients are unable to provide adequate and safe answers. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 May 28. Epub 2019 May 28.

Dermatology Department, Photobiology Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address:

G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2019 Mar 29. Epub 2019 Mar 29.

Allergological and Occupational Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.

Clin Exp Dermatol 2019 Jul 13;44(5):e164-e170. Epub 2019 Apr 13.

Photodermatosis Service, Department of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center - Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel.

Background: Solar urticaria (SU) is a rare photodermatosis causing a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL), and treatment is often challenging.

Aim: To analyse clinical experience with a tailored stepwise therapeutic approach.

Methods: A retrospective cohort design was used. Read More

Australas J Dermatol 2019 May 25;60(2):110-117. Epub 2018 Dec 25.

St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Solar urticaria (SU) is a rare form of urticaria with a pathogenesis that is poorly understood. It affects all skin types, can be difficult to diagnose, and is challenging to manage effectively. We conducted a retrospective review of patients with SU in our institution. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2019 May 8;35(3):193-195. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.

Solar urticaria (SU) is an uncommon photodermatosis that presents with sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) or visible light which triggers urticarial lesions. Treatment of SU is a challenge and usually involves antihistamines and photoprotection as a first-line treatment. Phototherapy regimens are recommended if these first-line treatments fail to control the disease. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019 Apr 9;33(4):e149-e150. Epub 2019 Jan 9.

Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2019 05 6;35(3):187-189. Epub 2019 Jan 6.

Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.

Skin Therapy Lett 2018 11;23(6):6-10

Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA

Afamelanotide, an α-melanocyte stimulating hormone analogue, has become an emerging therapeutic option for a variety of skin conditions previously refractory to other treatments. Its efficacy has been demonstrated in several dermatologic conditions, including erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), solar urticaria, polymorphic light eruption (PMLE), vitiligo, acne, and Hailey-Hailey disease. Its relatively low risk side effect profile makes it an attractive treatment option and also paves the way for innovative use in other disorders. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2019 Jan 25;35(1):57-65. Epub 2018 Nov 25.

Centre for Dermatology, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2018 Dec 9;109(10):853. Epub 2018 Oct 9.

Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España. Electronic address:

J Dermatol 2019 05 10;46(5):e148-e149. Epub 2018 Oct 10.

Department of Dermatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2018 Dec 8;109(10):888-892. Epub 2018 Sep 8.

Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, España.

Introduction: Solar urticaria is an uncommon photodermatosis. First-line treatment is with antihistamines; second-line treatment includes induction of light tolerance using UV phototherapy.

Objectives: We aimed to describe and evaluate the effectiveness of a desensitization protocol with narrowband UV-B in patients with solar urticaria. Read More

J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2018 Jul - Aug;6(4):1119-1130

Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex.

Chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) is a group of chronic urticarias characterized by the appearance of recurrent wheals, recurrent angioedema or both, as a response to specific triggers. CIndU includes both physical (symptomatic dermographism, cold and heat urticaria, delayed pressure urticaria, solar urticaria, and vibratory urticaria) and nonphysical urticarias (cholinergic urticaria, contact and aquagenic urticaria). Here, we review the different forms of CIndU with an emphasis on symptomatic dermographism, cold urticaria, cholinergic urticaria, and delayed pressure urticaria. Read More

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

Clin Dermatol 2018 May - Jun;36(3):369-375. Epub 2018 Mar 21.

Department of Dermatology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.

Topical sunscreens are the mainstay for protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. With skin cancer rates on the rise and great interest in reversing or preventing the effects of photoaging, new molecules with potential to defend against UV damage have received a great deal of attention. Specifically, there is a growing interest in herbal substances that offer protection against the damaging effects of UV rays. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2018 08 10;179(2):542. Epub 2018 Jun 10.

Department of Dermatology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, U.K.

J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2018 Jul - Aug;6(4):1198-1204.e3. Epub 2018 Mar 20.

Photodermatosis Clinic, Department of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. Electronic address:

Background: Solar urticaria (SU) is a rare photodermatosis causing a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Although the condition can be controlled with phototherapy and/or a combination therapy of antihistamines and leukotriene antagonist in most patients, a subset of patients require additional therapy with omalizumab; however, efficacy data are sparse.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of omalizumab for treating SU. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2018 Jul 14;34(4):262-268. Epub 2018 Apr 14.

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

Background: Solar urticaria (SU) is a rare chronic inducible urticaria triggered via uncharacterized chromophores. We detail responses of a large patient series to monochromator phototesting and broadband ultraviolet radiation (UVR); relationship to life quality is explored.

Methods: Retrospective review of all SU patients undergoing standardized diagnostic photoinvestigation at a specialist centre during 2000-2016. Read More

Med Clin (Barc) 2018 12 8;151(11):460-461. Epub 2018 Mar 8.

Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitari i Politécnic La Fe, Valencia, España.

Br J Dermatol 2018 06 22;178(6):1453-1454. Epub 2018 Apr 22.

St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, U.K.

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2018 May 4;34(3):194-199. Epub 2018 Jan 4.

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

Background: Solar urticaria (SU) is a rare photodermatosis. Treatment is challenging, and outcomes are often disappointing. Omalizumab is an anti-IgE, currently approved for treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria. Read More

Rev Alerg Mex 2017 Jul-Sep;64(3):371-375

Universidad de Antioquia, IPS Universitaria, Grupo de Alergología Clínica y Experimental, Medellín, Colombia.

Background: Solar urticaria is a rare type of inducible urticaria characterized by wheal and erythema formation shortly after exposure to sunlight or to an artificial light source; its pathophysiology is not yet entirely understood. The treatment of choice, in addition to exposure avoidance, consists in antihistamine administration.

Clinical Case: This is the case of a 27-year-old woman with no personal history of allergic diseases and with a 2-year history of erythema and wheals in photo-exposed areas associated with sunlight exposure for periods longer than 10 minutes. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2018 02 20;178(2):567-568. Epub 2018 Jan 20.

Photodermatology Department, St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RH, U.K.

J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018 02 24;141(2):638-649. Epub 2017 Jul 24.

Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Background: Omalizumab, a recombinant anti-IgE antibody, effectively treats chronic spontaneous urticaria. Evidence is lacking in patients with chronic inducible urticarias (CIndUs), which are frequently H-antihistamine resistant.

Objective: From the current published literature, we aimed to determine the strength of evidence for omalizumab efficacy and safety in the treatment of CIndUs. Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2017 Oct 25;42(7):735-742. Epub 2017 Jun 25.

Dermatology Department, Coimbra University Hospital Centre, Coimbra, Portugal.

Background: Clinical trials have shown the efficacy of omalizumabs efficacy in refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU), but real-life management strategies are lacking.

Aim: To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of omalizumab, and to identify predictive factors and optimum dosage regimens.

Methods: This was a prospective study of 13 patients (11 women, 2 men) with severe CSU [weekly urticaria activity score (UAS7) > 28] resistant to anti-H1 antihistamines. Read More

J Dermatol 2017 Sep 23;44(9):e214-e215. Epub 2017 May 23.

Department of Dermatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan.

Harefuah 2016 Oct;155(10):604-607

Photodermatoses Clinic, Department of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.

Introduction: Solar urticaria is a rare photodermatosis. It belongs to the group of physical urticarias. In this particular urticarial, erythema and whealing accompanied by pruritus occur seconds to minutes after exposure to light. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2017 Oct 27;108(8):e53-e55. Epub 2017 Apr 27.

Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, España.

We report 3 cases of solar urticaria in which there was no response or limited response to first-line treatments with high-dose H antihistamines or phototherapy. The patients were then treated with omalizumab. Symptoms improved in 2 patients, whose tolerance to sunlight increased considerably; quality of life clearly improved for 1 of these patients. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2017 Jul - Aug;108(6):593-594. Epub 2017 Feb 4.

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

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2017 05 13;33(3):172-175. Epub 2017 Mar 13.

Department of Dermatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.

Clin Pharmacokinet 2017 08;56(8):815-823

Stadtspital Triemli, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland.

Afamelanotide, the first α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) analogue, synthesized in 1980, was broadly investigated in all aspects of pigmentation because its activity and stability were higher than the natural hormone. Afamelanotide binds to the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), and MC1R signaling increases melanin synthesis, induces antioxidant activities, enhances DNA repair processes and modulates inflammation. The loss-of-function variants of the MC1R present in fair-skinned Caucasians are less effectively activated by the natural hormone. Read More

Hautarzt 2017 Jun;68(6):492-496

Klinik für Hautkrankheiten und Allergologie, HELIOS Vogtland-Klinikum Plauen GmbH, 100153, 08505, Plauen, Deutschland.

The treatment of solar urticaria is regarded as difficult. In some cases good responses to the anti-IgE antibody omalizumab (Xolair®), approved for treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria, have been reported. We report on a 50-year-old Caucasian woman who for the last 5 years has developed localized itching and stinging erythemas following exposure to sunlight accompanied sometimes by anaphylactic reactions. Read More

Allergy Asthma Proc 2016 11;37(6):450-457

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey.

Background: Chronic urticaria (CU) is a skin disorder defined as daily or almost daily exhibition of pruritic and transient wheals that last for 6 weeks. CU is divided into two subtypes: chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU).

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical features, possible causes, associated findings, and laboratory results of different subtypes of CU in children according to a new classification. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2017 Mar 25;108(2):132-139. Epub 2016 Oct 25.

Unidad de Fotobiología Dermatológica y Oncología Cutánea, Departamento de Dermatología y Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, España.

Background: Solar urticaria is a chronic inducible urticaria also classified as an idiopathic dermatosis. The objective of this paper is to define the phenotypic characteristics of solar urticaria and to evaluate its incidence.

Material And Method: This was a retrospective multicenter study in which data were gathered on the epidemiology and clinical, photobiologic, laboratory, and therapeutic characteristics of solar urticaria. Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2016 Dec 20;41(8):890-892. Epub 2016 Oct 20.

Department of Dermatology and Allergy Unit, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.

We report the case of a 53-year-old man with solar urticaria (SU) not responding to histamine antagonist therapy. Using intradermal testing with the patient's irradiated serum, we demonstrated that his SU was elicited by visible light only. This type of SU is uncommon, and makes preventive measures such as sun block largely ineffective. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2017 Jun 5;108(5):423-431. Epub 2016 Oct 5.

Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, España.

Omalizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits immunoglobulin E. It has been approved for the treatment of severe asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria refractory to other treatments. Its use in the management of chronic inducible urticaria (a type triggered by certain stimuli) is still considered off-label, although this use has been discussed in some consensus papers. Read More