A variety of skin responses to ultraviolet irradiation in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Skin responses to ultraviolet irradiation in patients with atopic dermatitis were studied to evaluate the role of sunlight in the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. A total of 15 patients, seven males and eight females, with atopic dermatitis who complained of exacerbation of their dermatitis after sun exposure were examined by photo testing with UVB and UVA irradiation and photopatch tests. Nine out of 15 patients showed abnormal skin reactions. Lowered minimal erythema doses (MEDs) to a single exposure of UVB, papular or erythematous responses after single or repeated exposures to UVB or UVA and positive photopatch test reactions to sunscreen ingredients and fragrances were found. There are apparently multiple mechanisms of photoexacerbation in patients with atopic dermatitis.