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Impact of photosensitivity disorders on the life quality of children
Author(s) -
Rizwan Muneeza,
Haylett Ann K.,
Richards Helen L.,
Ling Tsui C.,
Rhodes Lesley E.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
photodermatology, photoimmunology and photomedicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.736
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1600-0781
pISSN - 0905-4383
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0781.2012.00691.x
Subject(s) - photosensitivity , quality (philosophy) , quality of life (healthcare) , audiology , medicine , psychology , materials science , optoelectronics , physics , psychotherapist , quantum mechanics
Summary Background/Purpose Abnormal cutaneous sensitivity to the ultraviolet and/or visible radiation in sunlight characterizes photosensitivity disorders. Little is known regarding their impact in childhood. Our objective was to characterize childhood photosensitivity disorders presenting to a photoinvestigation unit, evaluating their impact on quality of life ( Q o L ). Methods Photoinvestigation records of children attending from 2000 to 2007 were evaluated for diagnosis, clinical, demographic and phototest parameters. These children were subsequently contacted during summertime to evaluate the impact of photosensitivity on Q o L , utilizing the children's dermatology life quality index ( CDLQI ). Results 83 children underwent photoinvestigation; 62 (74.7%) were diagnosed photosensitive (mean age 8.6 years, range 2–16; 33 female), with abnormal phototest findings in 35 children. 38/55 questionnaires (69.1%) were returned. Mean (± standard deviation) CDLQI score (all diagnoses) was 10.2 ± 7.3 with very high scores in xeroderma pigmentosum (20.7 ± 5.7; n = 3) and actinic prurigo (18.2 ± 7.1; n = 6) and moderate scores in photoaggravated eczema (7.9 ± 4.2; n = 8) and polymorphic light eruption (6.2 ± 4.4 n = 18). CDLQI correlated with number of months affected per year ( r = 0.595, P = 0.001). Conclusion Photosensitivity disorders have a substantial impact, ranging from moderate to extremely large, on Q o L in childhood, and the psychological consequences should be considered in their management.