Contact dermatitis, photoallergic
Disease/Syndrome
Contact dermatitis, photoallergic
Comments
Photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) is a type of allergic contact dermatitis. The causative agent becomes biologically active as an allergen only after it absorbs UV light. Patients experience delayed itching and vesiculation, and only sensitized individuals react. The diagnosis of PACD can be confirmed by photo-patch testing. Occupational PACD is most prevalent among pharmacists and pharmaceutical workers who handle sulfanilamide, promethazine, or chlorpromazine. [Marks, p. 201-5]
Latency/Incubation
At least 4 days and may take years to become sensitized; Once sensitized, the worker's dermatitis begins one to several days contact and sufficient UV exposure.
Diagnostic
Photo patch testing
Symptoms/Findings
Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease:
Job Tasks
High risk job tasks associated with this disease:
Agents
Hazardous agents that cause the occupational disease: