Chronic actinic dermatitis

Similar term(s): Chronic photosensitivity dermatitis, Actinic reticuloid syndrome.

Chronic actinic dermatitis is a rare skin disease that mainly affects middle-aged and elderly men. It is characterised by severely itchy, red, inflamed, and thickened dry skin due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation and frequently also visible light from the sun or artificial lighting. The cause remains unknown. Treatment consists in avoiding exposure to sunlight.

Source: GreenFacts, based on DermNet NZ 

Electromagnetic spectrum - Ultraviolet radiation