[The syndrome of chronic actinic dermatitis. Persistent light reaction--actinic reticuloid].

The clinical, histological and photobiological features of persistent light reaction and actinic reticuloid are discussed with reference to the literature. Both conditions are characterized by extreme light sensitivity, have been reported exclusively in elderly men, and are interpreted as a consequence of a photoallergic reaction. In our view, persistent light reaction and actinic reticuloid do not represent separate entities, but rather the two extremes of a single spectrum of disease; in common with other workers, we prefer to call it chronic actinic dermatitis. This opinion is supported by a detailed analysis of three of our patients, who illustrate all variations of this photodermatosis.