Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- presence of risk factors
- sun exposure
- lack of sun protection
- skin discomfort
- pruritus
- skin tenderness
- sensation of warmth
- erythema
Other diagnostic factors
- chronic actinic damage
- malaise, fever, chills, nausea, headache
- oedema
- vesicles/bullae
Risk factors
- Fitzpatrick skin type I-III
- photo-sensitising medications
- intentional tanning
- lack of or improper use of sunscreen
- injudicious sun exposure
- age under 6 months
- immunosuppression
- history of skin cancer
Diagnostic investigations
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors

Assistant Professor
Department of Dermatology
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
PA
Disclosures
ASP declares that she has no competing interests.
Dr Aimee S. Payne would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Ronald M. Bernardin, a previous co-contributor to this monograph. RMB declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Chief
Outpatient & Pediatric Dermatology
59th Medical Wing/ SGOMD
Lackland Air Force Base
San Antonio
TX
Disclosures
CMH declares that he has no competing interests.
Clinical Assistant Professor
Florida State University College of Medicine
Tallahassee
FL
Disclosures
SR declares that he has no competing interests.
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology
Columbia University
New York
NY
Disclosures
RU declares that he has no competing interests.
Consultant Dermatologist and Professor of Clinical Photobiology
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Newcastle upon Tyne
UK
Disclosures
PMF declares that he has no competing interests.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer