Question

Which of the following statements regarding chronic actinic dermatitis are NOT true? 1) The MEDB on phototesting is markedly diminished in patients with this condition 2) Many cases begin as photoallergic contact dermatitis or drug photosensitivity 3) Fluorescent bulbs are safer for these patients than are incandescent bulbs 4) Azathioprine has been used successfully to treat this disorder 5) Many patients have a lowered threshold to shorter wavelength visible light

Answer 1

Chronic actinic dermatitis is a condition characterized by an abnormal reaction of the skin to sunlight. The MEDB on phototesting is increased, not diminished. Many cases start as photoallergic contact dermatitis or drug photosensitivity. Azathioprine is used to treat chronic actinic dermatitis. Many patients have a lowered threshold to shorter wavelength visible light.

Step-by-step explanation:

Chronic actinic dermatitis is a condition characterized by an abnormal reaction of the skin to sunlight. In this condition, the minimum erythema dose on phototesting (MEDB) is actually increased rather than diminished. So statement 1) is not true. Many cases of chronic actinic dermatitis start as photoallergic contact dermatitis or drug photosensitivity, making statement 2) true. Fluorescent bulbs emit UV radiation and can worsen the symptoms of chronic actinic dermatitis, so statement 3) is also not true. Azathioprine is indeed used to treat chronic actinic dermatitis, making statement 4) true. Lastly, many patients with this condition have a lowered threshold to shorter wavelength visible light, so statement 5) is also true.

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