| photosensitivity | <dermatology> An abnormal cutaneous response involving the interaction between photosensitising substances and sunlight or filtered or artificial light at wavelengths of 280-400 mm. There are two main types: photoallergy and photoxicity. (13 Oct 1997) |
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| photosensitivity disorders | Abnormal responses to sunlight or artificial light due to extreme reactivity of light-absorbing molecules in tissues. It refers almost exclusively to skin photosensitivity, including sunburn, reactions due to repeated prolonged exposure in the absence of photosensitizing factors, and reactions requiring photosensitizing factors such as photosensitizing agents and certain diseases. With restricted reference to skin tissue, it does not include photosensitivity of the eye to light, as in photophobia or photosensitive epilepsy. (12 Dec 1998) |