Drug-Induced Photosensitivity: Clinical Types of Phototoxicity and Photoallergy and Pathogenetic Mechanisms

Abstract

Drug-induced photosensitivity (DIP) is a common cutaneous adverse drug reaction, resulting from the interaction of ultraviolet radiations, mostly ultraviolet A, with drugs. DIP includes phototoxicity and photoallergy. A phototoxic reaction is obtained when topical and systemic drugs or their metabolites absorb light inducing a direct cellular damage, while a photoallergic reaction takes place when the interaction between drugs and ultraviolet radiations causes an immune cutaneous response. Clinically, phototoxicity is immediate and appears as an exaggerated sunburn, whereas photoallergy is a delayed eczematous reaction. DIP may show several clinical subtypes. In this mini-review we report the pathogenetic mechanisms and causative drugs of DIP. We offer a detailed description of DIP clinical features in its classical and unusual subtypes, such as hyperpigmentation/dyschromia, pseudoporphyria, photo-onycolysis, eruptive teleangiectasia, pellagra-like reaction, lichenoid reaction, photodistributed erythema multiforme and subacute/chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. We described how physicians may early recognize and manage DIP, including diagnostic tests to rule out similar conditions. We made suggestions on how to improve sun exposure behaviors of patients at risk of DIP by means of an aware use of sunscreens, protective clothing and recent technologic tools. We highlighted the lack of sun safety programs addressed to patients at risk of DIP, who need a formal education about their condition.

Introduction

Drug-induced photosensitivity (DIP) is a common cutaneous adverse drug reaction, resulting from the interaction of ultraviolet radiations (UVR) with drugs (1). DIP may account for up to 8% of all cutaneous adverse drug reactions (2). Photosensitive reactions occur mainly in the UVA range (wavelength 315–400 nm), although some drugs produce photosensitivity upon exposure to UVB radiations (280–315 nm) or even visible light (400–740 nm) (3). DIP may be induced by sunlight and artificial sources of UV radiation, such as medical phototherapy lamps, tanning beds, LEDs, UV lasers, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and other lamps used in industry (4). Given the UVA-dependency, DIP may be induced also through window panes at any time of the year. In fact, standard window glass filters UVB, but not UVA (5). The drug or its metabolites' ability to absorb UVR or visible radiation is critical to induce biochemical changes in the tissue. The process is termed “photosensitization” and the initiator is the “photosensitizer” (1). DIP may occur because of systemic or local drugs.

Two types of DIP reactions are distinguished: drug-induced phototoxic reactions (DI-PTRs) and drug-induced photoallergic reactions (DI-PARs). The first are the result of a direct cellular damage, while the second are caused by an immune-mediated mechanism of action (6). Pathogenetic initial stages of DI-PRTs and DI-PARs are similar. Absorption of photons by photosensitizing drug molecules lead them to a more instable reactive excited state, called triplet state (1, 3, 7). Photosensitizers in the excited triplet state lead to production of free radicals or singlet oxygen, which directly damage cell components (8, 9). In DI-PTRs, the drug absorbs energy from UVA light and releases it into the skin, causing cellular damage, while in DI-PARs, light may cause a structural change in a drug, which binds protein and becomes a photoallergen, causing an immune response mediated by T-cells (10, 11). DI-PTRs are dose-dependent, namely are proportionate to drug and light dose. DI-PARs require previous exposure to the photosensitizing agent and appear as a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (1). The reaction is dose-independent. Clinically, photosensitive reactions involve sun-exposed areas, namely the face, V of the neck and extensor, forearms and hands (6). Clinical manifestations of DI-PTRs may onset from 30 min to 24 h after sun exposure and may be transient or lasting up to 4 days, according to the type of photosensitizer (1). DI-PTRs presentation resembles an exaggerated sunburn, mostly presenting with burning and/or painful erythema, edema and vesiculation; while DI-PARs appear some days after exposure with an eczematous itching dermatitis (1). In addition to these classical types, DI-PTRs and DI-PARs may presented several subtypes.

In next chapters, the differences between DI-PTRs and DI-PARs' subtypes were described, focusing on their clinical presentation, pathogenetic mechanisms (Figure 1) and causative drugs (Table 1).

Figure 1.

Summary of pathogenetic mechanisms involved in DIP.

Table 1.

Drugs associated with phototoxicity and photoallergy subtypes.

Phototoxicity subtypes	Associated drugs
Hyperpigmentation and dyschromia	citalopram (12), imipramine (13), amitriptilyne (14), chlorpromazine (15), diltiazem (16), amiodarone (17–19), vandetanib (20)
Pseudoporphyria	tetracycline (21), nalidixic acid (22), voriconazolo (23, 24), furosemide (25), hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene (26), amiodarone (27), etretinate (28) and isotretinoin (29), olanzapine (30), naprossene (31, 32), imatinib (33)
Photo-onycholysis	doxycycline (34, 35), indapamide (36), voriconazole (24), griseofulvin (37), sparfloxacin (38), olanzapine, aripiprazole (39), benoxyprofen (40), diclofenac (41), photodynamic therapy (42)
Photodistributed telangiectasia	escitalopram (43), cefotaxime (44), venlafaxine (45), mirtazapine and levetiracetam (46), amlodipine (47)
Pellagra like reaction	isoniazid (48), 5-fluorouracil (49), haloperidol (50), azathioprine (51, 52), ethionamide (53)
Photoallergy subtypes	Associated drugs
Lichenoid reaction	thiazide diuretics (54), quinine (55), quinidine (56), demeclocycline (57), isoniazide (58), sparfloxacin (59), doxycycline (60), tegaful (61), capecitabine (62), chlorpromazine (63), carbamazepine (64), thioridazine (65), naprossene (66), enalapril (67), phenofibrate (68), clopidogrel (69)
Photodistributed erythema multiforme	simvastin and pravastatin (70), paclitaxel (71), naprossene (72), ketoprofene (73), phenylbutazone (74), itraconazolo (75) tocilizumab (76), oxybenzone (77)
Subacute or chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus	griseofulvin, terbinafine, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, diuretics (78, 79), proton-pump inhibitors (80), antineoplastic drugs (81), anti-TNFα (82, 83), checkpoint inhibitors (84)

Phototoxicity Subtypes

Hyperpigmentation and Dyschromia

Hyperpigmentation of the skin is a common side effect of many drugs (85). It may occur after acute phototoxic reaction or be the sole feature (86). In addition to hyperpigmentation, drug-induced dyschromia may also occur. Discoloration may range from blue-brown to slate-gray. Classical examples of drugs inducing photopigmentation are listed in Table 1 (12–20). Photosensitizing drugs may cause skin hyperpigmentation increasing melanocyte activity and accumulation of melanin or by their accumulation in the skin. In the first case, the drugs could act by amplifying the energy of UV rays and releasing it in well-defined areas of the skin, causing alteration in the production of melanin. Exposure to UVB and inflammatory response may increase melanin production, by regulating cutaneous levels of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA, POMC peptides, and melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) receptors (87). On the other hand, chronic accumulation of photosensitive drugs or their metabolites in dermis may determine hyperpigmentation or dyschromia, as in case of amiodarone-induced photosensitivity (18).

Drug-induced photopigmentation should be distinguished from some forms of drug-induced hyperpigmentation that are not only related to solar exposure, such as tetracycline-induced hyperpigmentation. Phototoxicity of tetracyclines is a well-known side effect and it is also part of the mechanism of action, because tetracyclines act as light-activated antibiotics by binding to bacterial cells and killing them upon illumination (88). Tetracycline-induced skin hyperpigmentation may occur as post-inflammatory result of a phototoxic reaction but other mechanisms may explain this adverse event (89).

Pseudoporphyria

Pseudoporphyria appears as a photodistributed bullous disorder with clinical and histologic features of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), without any abnormal porphyrin levels. Pseudoporphyria has been attributed to medications, UVA radiation (tanning beds), excessive sun exposure and chronic renal failure/dialysis (90). Drug-induced pseudoporphyria has been described with many drugs listed in Table 1 (21–32). More recently, imatinib-induced pseudoporphyria has been investigated (33).

Clinically, pseudoporphyria resembles PCT, with vesicles, bullae, skin fragility, milia, and scarring occur on sun-exposed areas. The dorsal hands are most commonly affected, but fingers, extensor legs, upper chest and face may also be involved (90). In contrast to PCT, hypertrichosis, hyperpigmentation, sclerodermoid changes, and dystrophic calcification are rarely reported. Photochemical events of PCT occur after porphyrins absorb light energy in the 400 to 410 nm range (Soret band) while the action spectrum of UVR in pseudoporphyria appears to be in the UVA range (90). Although the pathogenesis of porphyria and pseudoporphyria is still not fully understood, the mechanism involved in the induction of blisters may be similar in the two diseases, involving a physiologic autoantibody reaction to the damaged endothelium, with deposition of IgG and other immunoreactants (91). Nevertheless, the initial skin damage is probably phototoxic and mediated by singlet oxygen formation (92).

Photo-Onycholysis

Drug-induced photo-onycholysis usually appears at least 2 weeks after initial drug uptake and it may be painful (39, 93). It has been reported with many drugs listed in Table 1 (24, 34–41) and after photodynamic therapy (42).

Four distinct clinical subtypes have been described (93, 94): type I shows a half-moon-shaped separation that is concave distally; type II has a circular notch opened distally and shaped; type III shows a round yellow staining that turns reddish after 5–10 days in the central part of nail bed; in type IV, bullae under the nails have been reported. One common sign is prevalent in the first three types: the lateral margins of the nails are unaffected. Nevertheless, an apparent relationship between responsible drugs and different types of photo-onycholysis is not detectable (93). Photo-onycholysis may be considered a specific sunburn peeling, with elective involvement of nails for two main reasons: the absence of sebaceous glands and of stratum granulosus may enable the penetration of UV because lipids on the skin reduce the UV transmission; the nail's shape may act as a convex lens focusing UV onto the nail bed (39, 93).

Eruptive Telangiectasia

Iatrogenic telangiectasia is a poorly understood dermatological undesired effect of several drugs (43). Photodistributed telangiectasia has been described with many drugs listed in Table 1 (43–47).

Photopatch tests are usually negative but provocation tests with UVA and UVB may cause the onset of telangiectasia on irradiated skin after 24–48 h, confirming photosensitivity (44).

The damage of endothelial cells in photodistributed telangiectasia may be due to the release of solar energy by photosensitive drug in concentrated way in the skin, that leads to loss of vasoconstrictor function of the vessels; on the other hand, the photodynamic production of ROS would attack directly the endothelial cells compromising their functionality (95). The ability of CCB to generate ROS leading to vasodilatation has been widely investigated. All CCB associated with photodistributed telangiectasia fall into the dihydropyridine group (47).

Pellagra Like Reaction

Pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin and its precursor tryptophan. Clinically, it is characterized by the presence of diarrhea, dementia, and dermatitis (48). The rash usually appears on sun-exposed areas as symmetrical erythema, and, subsequently, as leathery hyperpigmented plaques (48). Pellagra like reactions have been described with drugs listed in Table 1 (48–53). Tryptophan and niacin are precursors of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a cellular coenzyme involved in repair of UV-induced DNA damage. The drugs leading to pellagrous dermatitis can interfere with niacin/NAD metabolism by inhibiting niacin production from dietary tryptophan and by acting as NAD analogs due to their structural similarity (48).

Photoallergy Subtypes

Lichenoid Reaction

Lichenoid reactions appear as scaling violaceous erythema or violaceous papules with Wickham's striae on sun exposed areas, without involvement of mucous membranes (96). Photosensitive drug-induced lichenoid reactions have been described with drugs listed in Table 1 (54–65, 67–69, 72). CD8+ T-cells would be involved in lichenoid reaction, infiltrating the upper dermis and causing inflammatory damage to keratinocytes (58, 59). It is not clear whether lichenoid lesions are the result of a phototoxic or photoallergic reaction, but the long incubation period and the positivity of photopatch test seem to confirm their allergic nature (58, 59).

Photodistributed Erythema Multiforme

Erythema multiforme (EM) is a muco-cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction frequently triggered by infections or drugs. EM appears as a polymorphous eruption of macules, papules, and characteristic target lesions in symmetrical distribution with a propensity for acral sites (97). The term photodistributed erythema multiforme (PEM) is used to designate a particular form of EM characterized by lesions that are confined to sun-exposed areas, with a clear detachment from unexposed areas. PEM may be triggered more frequently by herpes simplex virus infections and drugs (98). Drug-induced PEM has been described with many drugs listed in Table 1 (70–76). Drug-induced PEM has been reported also with oxybenzone, an UV-absorbing agent used incommercially-available sunscreen (77). Drug-induced PEM appears as a delayed reaction, and even ten days may pass from sun exposure to clinical manifestations (77). In PEM, UV radiation may facilitate the diffusion of skin antigens into the blood stream by inducing the release of inflammatory mediators, such as quinines, prostaglandins and histamine, which increase vascular permeability (98). Either a photoproduct or the actual drug activated by UV radiation might act as an antigen, triggering the immune response, or as a phototoxic agent, favoring the rupture of cells and the release of nuclear antigens (98).

Subacute or Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DILE) is defined as an entity characterized by clinical manifestations and immune-pathological serum findings similar to those of idiopathic lupus but which is related to continuous drug exposure and resolves after discontinuation of the offending drug (99). Drug-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematous (DI-SCLE) is characterized by annular polycyclic and/or papulosquamous lesions and frequent presence of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies, but the incidence of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies appears to be lower than in idiopathic SCLE. Antihistone antibodies are uncommonly found in DI-SCLE (99).

DI-SCLE has been described with drugs listed in Table 1 (78, 79). Drug-induced discoid lupus erythematous (DI-DLE) is very rarely described in the literature. Clinical appearance is characterized by classic erythematous and scaly discoid lesions, but aspects of lupus tumidus can occasionally develop (99). DI-DLE has been described with drugs listed in Table 1 (81–84).

Several mechanisms are involved in DILE, including molecular mimicry, direct cytotoxicity, disruption of central immune tolerance or altered T-cell function due to hypomethylation and most of them may be light-independent (99). In the cases of cutaneous DILE associated with 5-fluorouracil, it has been suggested that the drug may alter basal keratinocytes, making them more sensitive to ultraviolet damage (99).

Physicians Education

Physicians should be able to early recognize DIP, distinguishing between DI-PTRs and DI-PARs and to rule out other photosensitive dermatoses that may mimic some unusual clinical subtypes of DIP, such as cutaneous porphyria, pellagra, EM, SCLE, DLE. The diagnosis of DIP is suggested by the photodistributed nature of the eruption and a history of exposure to a topical or systemic photosensitizer. It may be confirmed by monochromator phototesting and photopatch tests (58, 100). Other tests, including laboratory assessment and histological examination for photosensitive dermatosis (e.g., lupus erythematous, porphyria), may be performed to rule out other causes of photodistributed eruptions (78, 99). A large number of medications may cause photosensitivity and in patients using multiple drugs (e.g., elderly) the identification of the responsible drug can be challenging. Treatment is based on the withdrawal of the offending drug and sun protection, especially against UVA wavelengths. Severe symptomatic reactions may need a short course of topical or systemic steroids treatment (44, 100). If a drug is indispensable to the patient, dose reduction and/or sun avoidance with photo-protective measures may avoid discontinuing that drug (101–104).

Moreover, physicians prescribing photosensitizing drugs, such as those described so far, should always inform patients about their possible side effects and advise them appropriate sun protection measures.

Patients Education

Patients awareness about photosensitizing potential of some drugs is important for primary and secondary prevention of DIP. The improvement of sun exposure behaviors is essential in education of patients taking photosensitizing drugs. The best way to protect these patients from the development of DIP is avoiding sun exposure. When it is not possible, namely in the majority of cases, sun protection education is essential and is based on the use of sunscreens, protective clothing and, more recently, technologic tools such some smartphone apps.

Patients should be educated to use sunscreens filtering not only UVB but also the whole UVA spectrum, because DIPs are mainly caused by light with wavelength 315–400 nm, as mentioned above. Broad-spectrum sunscreens, protecting from both UVB and UVA, are preferred and should have a high sun protection factor, namely 50 or higher. They should be applied before sun exposure and reapplied once within 1 h (101).

Patients should always wear covering clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses when going outside. Nevertheless, the spaces between the fibers of woven textiles may allow the UV to permeate (102). Patients should take into account this possibility when choosing clothes to wear. The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is a measure of ultraviolet radiation penetration through the fabric (103). The UPF of clothing depends on fabric components, including fiber content, color, and additives, and may change with the wear of the fabric over time. Patients at risk of DIP should prefer clothing with an UPF of 40 or higher (103, 104).

Patients exposed to high levels of solar radiation, for occupational or environmental reasons, should be especially careful while taking photosensitizing drugs: that's the case of travelers taking doxycycline for prophylaxis of malaria, which is endemic in tropical countries close to equator (105). The measurement of UV levels is a common function of sun protection smartphone apps and make patients more ready to improve their sun exposure behaviors. Moreover, a multitude of applications also provides tailored recommendations to patients and reminders for protecting their skin, including what type of sunscreen to use, after how long to reapply it, and what kinds of physical protection to dress (i.e., clothing, hats, and sunglasses) (106).

Sun safety education programs are not very common among patients at risk of photosensitivity, although they need it. Huang et al. (107) demonstrated the role of sun protection education in photosensitive patients, specifically suffering from chronic actinic dermatitis or polymorphous light eruption. The patients improved their sun exposure habits and quality of life after intensive educational lessons, combined with an instruction manual. Moreover, the Authors highlighted that routine instruction on sun protection from dermatologists are insufficient for patients at risk of photosensitivity to develop a real awareness of their condition and an appropriate attention to sun safety (107). Considering the efficacy of sun safety educations programs in other many risk categories, such as children (108) or outdoor workers (109), it appears appropriate that similar awareness campaigns will be designed and implemented for patients at risk of DIP.

Discussion

DIP is an underdiagnosed clinical entity, mainly for two reasons: DIP in atypical presentations is often not recognized and the reaction vanishes within a few days without an explanation; in most cases, especially in patients using multiple drugs, it's difficult to find the culprit drug. A proper knowledge of clinical subtypes of phototoxic and photoallergic drug-induced reactions and of drugs directly involved in these reactions may increase diagnostic accuracy of physicians.

Nevertheless, some issues concerning DIP remain unresolved, such as the long-term effects of DIP. Increasing reports show that continuation of the some phototoxic drug long-term may induce photocarcinogenesis, as in the case of voriconazole (24). Several pathways would be involved in carcinogenesis by photo-oxidation. UVR activates epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a critical mediator of several types of epithelial cancers, and the generation of ROS upregulates the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGFR (110, 111). In addition to EGFR, ROS produced during DIP may activate several signal transduction cascades such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), involved in proliferation and antiapoptotic signaling of many cancers, and lead to genomics instability and DNA damage, which have a pro-tumorigenic effect (112, 113). Further studies are needed to better elucidate these mechanisms in DIP. Moreover, it would be interesting to investigate if, as in other skin pathologies involving ROS and immune system (e.g., vitiligo), the pathogenesis of DIP is based on relational networks rather than separate pathways (114–117).

Another issue concerns the education of patients with DIP. Huang et al. demonstrated that sun safety programs may improve sun exposure habits and quality of life of photosensitive patients, but the efficacy of similar campaigns has not yet been evaluated in DIP patients (107). Sun safety programs for DIP patients appear essential, considering that currently an appropriate sun protection education is the only way to prevent DIP and the only alternative therapy to drug withdrawal.

In conclusion, many issues regarding prevention, treatment and prognosis of DIP are unanswered. To date, the control of DIP is based on prompt recognition of its clinical subtypes by dermatologists and sun-exposure education of patients using drugs with potential photosensitivity.

Author Contributions

MV and FV conceived the idea to write a review about the topic. AlfM, FV, and FB took care about the literature search. LD and NI wrote the manuscript with the supervision of MV, FS, and DA. FB and GC verified the accuracy of all pharmacological and molecular information given in the review. AC and AlbM contributed to the final manuscript and supervised the project. AC took care about the final form of the manuscript and made changes to adapt the review to journal guidelines. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Glossary

Abbreviations

DIP

drug-induced photosensitivity

UVR

ultraviolet radiation

UVA

ultraviolet A

UVB

ultraviolet B

NSAIDs

non-steroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs

DI-PTRs

drug-induced phototoxic reactions

DI-PARs

drug-induced photoallergic reactions

POMC

pro-opiomelanocortin

MSH

melanocyte stimulating hormone

PCT

porphyria cutanea tarda

CCB

calcium channel blockers

ROS

reactive oxygen species

NAD

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

PARP1

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1

EM

erythema multiforme

PEM

photodistributed erythema multiforme

PMLE

polymorphous light eruption

DILE

drug-induced lupus erythematosus

SCLE

subacute cutaneous subtype

DI-SCLE

drug-induced SCLE

DI-DLE

drug-induced discoid lupus erythematous

EGFR

epidermal growth factor receptor

MAPK

mitogen-activated protein kinases.