pathoscribe

Written by Akemi Li | Art by Charlene Cheng

Actinic prurigo, sometimes called Hutchinson prurigo, is a disease in which patients have intensely itchy skin due to abnormal reactions to sunlight exposure. Patients can be seen with small papules on sun-exposed areas. The basic appearance of this disease includes rashes that constantly itch, which normally appear hours or days after sun exposure. In 60-70% of cases, rapid scratching, ulcers, weeping, or crusting is seen. In severe cases, despite the skin being covered by clothes, these areas of the skin may also be affected, leading to obstacles in realizing the role of sunlight. The conditions continue throughout the year but worsen in the summer.

The exact cause of this condition is when patients are exposed to long/short waves of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB). However, the exact scientific reason why this reaction between sunlight and the skin occurs remains unknown. Some believe this disease is immunologically based, in which the disease runs in families through genetics.

Anyone could be diagnosed with actinic prurigo but, data shows that it’s more common in people of Latin American and American Indian descent who appear to have darker skin types. Therefore, it’s more common in areas like Mexico and Central/South America, specifically among residents who live at high altitudes. This disease is rarely seen in Europe and Asia. Regarding age, anyone can have it. One-third of reported patients are known to be children, specifically before puberty. Both males and females are affected equally during childhood; however, as adults, females are seen to be twice as frequently affected compared to males.

There has been no treatment yet for this illness. However, the basic prevention of this disease is avoiding sun exposure and using sun protection products. Doctors may prescribe emollients to aid in itching symptoms. Other medicines include topical corticosteroids, antimalarials, and thalidomide, which should be reduced once improvement is shown. Some lucky patients may find that they no longer have the disease in early adult life. Others may have the disease forever, with occasional relapses and outbreaks depending on seasons.

Works Cited:

Ngan Vanessa. “Actinic Prurigo” DermNet, 2006, https://dermnetnz.org/topics/actinic-prurigo