What does photosensitivity mean?
Listen to pronunciation. (FOH-toh-SEN-sih-TIH-vih-tee) A condition in which the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet light and may burn easily. Photosensitivity usually causes a rash or sunburn, especially on areas of the skin that are exposed to ultraviolet light.
What causes Photosensitization?
Photosensitization is caused by production or ingestion of photodynamic agents, which lead to increased susceptibility to skin damage following exposure to sunlight. Secondary (type III) photosensitization caused by abnormal hepatic metabolism of phylloerythrin is the most common type seen in livestock.
What is photosensitive organ?
There are currently three known types of photoreceptor cells in mammalian eyes: rods, cones, and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. These cells are thought not to contribute to sight directly, but have a role in the entrainment of the circadian rhythm and pupillary reflex.
What is photosensitivity to light?
Photosensitivity occurs when the skin reacts in an abnormally sensitive way to light from the sun or an artificial source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, like a tanning bed.
Is photophobia and photosensitivity the same thing?
While photophobia is the medical term for discomfort in the eyes as a result of exposure to light, photosensitivity refers to an immune system reaction to sunlight (sometimes called a “sun allergy”) which affects the skin.
What is the phototoxicity?
A condition in which the skin or eyes become very sensitive to sunlight or other forms of light. It can be caused by taking certain drugs, or rubbing certain essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants) or other topical agents into the skin. Phototoxicity causes sunburn, blisters, and other skin problems.
How do you treat photosensitivity in horses?
Typically, treatment for photosensitivity starts by taking the horse off all pasture that may contain alsike clover or other phototoxic plants and keeping him indoors, shielded from the sun, until his skin heals.