follow @PCDSUKCreated: 10th October 2011 | Last Updated: 8th August 2015
Introduction
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Actinic prurigo is a rare, sunlight-induced papular or nodular, itchy and usually excoriated eruption. This chapter is set out as follows: |
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History
- It is more common in children, especially girls
- It often starts in the first decade of life
- Lesions are itchy
- Symptoms most apparent in summer, but not always clearly related to sun exposure and often fail to clear completely in the winter
Clinical findings
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Distribution
- Sun-exposed sites predominate although non-exposed sites can be affected
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Morphology
- Erythematous and often excoriated papules and nodules
- The appearance becomes more eczematous with time
Images
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Figure: 1 Actinic prurigo |
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Figure: 2
Actinic prurigo |
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Figure: 3 Actinic prurigo - same patient as figure 2 |
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Figure: 4 Actinic prurigo - same patient as figure 2, close-up of calves |
Management
Step 1: general
- Provide a patient information leaflet on UV protection
Step 2: milder cases
- Can be managed by appropriate UV protection measures, emollients and topical steroids
Step 3: moderate to severe cases
- Need to be referred for further investigation and treatment although the condition can be refractory to treatment
- While actinic prurigo usually resolves in the late teens, in others the condition can become chronic