What does photosensitivity mean?

(FOH-toh-SEN-sih-TIH-vih-tee) A condition in which the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet light and may burn easily. Photosensitivity usually causes a rash or sunburn, especially on areas of the skin that are exposed to ultraviolet light.

What are the different types of photosensitivity?

Photosensitive conditions are classified into five categories, which include primary or autoimmune photodermatosis, exogenous or drug/chemical-induced photodermatosis, photo-exacerbated or photo-aggravated dermatoses, metabolic photodermatosis, and genetic photodermatosis.

What is photosensitivity to light?

Photosensitivity is an immune reaction to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or other lights. Photosensitivity reactions can cause: Rashes. Joint pain. Fatigue.

What are the symptoms of photosensitivity?

Symptoms of photosensitivity may include a pink or red skin rash with blotchy blisters, scaly patches, or raised spots on areas directly exposed to the sun. Itching and burning may occur and the rash may last for several days. In some people, the reaction to sunlight gradually becomes less with subsequent exposures.

What can cause photosensitivity?

You can become photosensitive as a result of prescription or over-the-counter medications, a medical condition or genetic disorder, or even by using certain types of skin care products. There are two distinct types of photosensitivity reactions: photoallergic and phototoxic.

How do I get rid of photosensitivity?

Topical corticosteroids and cool compresses may alleviate drug-induced photosensitivity. The use of systemic corticosteroids should be reserved for the most severe cases. If sunscreens are not the cause of the photosensitivity, they should be used liberally.

What is the difference between photophobia and photosensitivity?

While photophobia is the medical term for discomfort in the eyes as a result of exposure to light, photosensitivity refers to an immune system reaction to sunlight (sometimes called a “sun allergy”) which affects the skin.

What are photosensitive substances give examples?

A material that changes its chemical composition when exposed to electromagnetic radiation. Note: Examples of photosensitive materials are (a) the material on the surface of an optical disk prior to recording data on it and (b) the coating on unexposed photofilm used in cameras.

What is lupus photosensitivity?

Photosensitivity is the term used to describe sensitivity to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight and other light sources, such as indoor fluorescent light. Photosensitivity can cause rashes, fever, fatigue, joint pain, and other symptoms in people with both cutaneous (skin) and systemic lupus.

What is the most photosensitive material?

Introduction. Gelatin is the main component of the two most common photosensitive media used in optics (comprising holography): silver halide photographic emulsions and layers of Dichromated Gelatin (DCG).

What is photosensitive surface?

The surface which emits electrons when illuminated by electromagnetic radiation of appropriate frequency is called photosensitive surface. [Note : The material that exhibits photoelectric effect is called photosensitive material.]

What are photosensitive metals?

Solution : (i) Metals like cadmium, zinc, magnesium, alkali metals lithium , sodium, caesium respond to visible light. <br> (ii) The materials which eject photoelectrons upon irradiation of electronmagnetic wave of suitable wavelength are called photosensitive materials.

Why are alkali metals so photosensitive?

Solution : The work fuction of alkali metal is very low. Even the ordinary visible light can bring about emission of photoelectrons from these metals. Due to this reason, alkali metal surfaces are most suited as photosenstive surfaces.

Which of the following is true for a photosensitive material?

The correct answer among the given choices is OPTION C: Same photosensitive substances give a different response to lights of different wavelengths. The work function of photosensitive substances is extremely low. The chemical constitution of a substance changes when it is exposed to electromagnetic radiation.