Work

Photosensitivity reactions in the elderly population: questionnaire-based survey and literature review

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: 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. The diagnosis of drug-induced photosensitivity was based on medical history and clinical examination. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We found that drugs potentially causing phototoxic/photoallergic reactions comprised more than one fifth of all drugs used by the participants. The most numerous group was patients treated with 3-5 drugs potentially causing phototoxic/photoallergic reactions simultaneously. Of all drugs, ketoprofen was found to cause the highest number of photosensitivity reactions. Cutaneous adverse reactions were also observed for hydrochlorothiazide, atorvastatin, simvastatin, telmisartan, and metformin. Moreover, it was found that the incidence of photosensitivity reactions can be significantly reduced by using proper photoprotection.

Source: Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management

DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s215308

Authors: Katarzyna Korzeniowska, Artur Cieślewicz, Ewa Chmara, Anna Jabłecka, Mariola Pawlaczyk

Institution: Poznan University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Skin Protection and Aging

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,836