Clinical characteristics of adult-onset actinic prurigo in Asians: A case series.
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Date
2013-11
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Abstract
Background: Actinic prurigo (AP) is a chronic, pruritic skin condition caused by an abnormal
reaction to sunlight. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the clinical characteristics
of AP in patients attending the National Skin Centre, Singapore, from 1st January 1999 to
30th June 2008. Methods: Cases of AP diagnosed from 1st January 1999 to 30th June 2008
were retrieved from the center’s electronic medical records and analyzed. Results: A total
of 11 patients were diagnosed with AP. The mean age at diagnosis was 52 years. There
were 9 (82%) Chinese and 2 (18%) Malay patients. Nine (82%) were male and 2 (18%)
were female. The most commonly affected areas were the face, forearms, and hands (72%).
Phototesting showed reduced minimal erythema dose (MED) to ultraviolet A (UVA) in 5 (46%)
patients, both UVA and ultraviolet B (UVB) in 4 (36%) patients and UVB in 1 (9%) patient.
Seven (64%) patients reported partial improvement after treatment with a combination of
topical corticosteroids and sunscreens. Four (36%) patients received systemic therapy with
partial response. Conclusion: Adult-onset AP is more common in the Asian population,
with a male predominance. The face, forearms, and hands are the most commonly affected
areas. The absence of mucosal involvement is also a distinguishing feature between the
Asian and Caucasian population. Close to half of the patients have reduced MED to UVA on
phototesting. The prognosis for AP is poor as it tends to run a chronic course with suboptimal
response to treatment.
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Keywords
Actinic prurigo, Asians, photodermatosis, phototest
Citation
Ker Khor Jia, Chong Wei Sheng, Theng Colin Thiam Seng. Clinical characteristics of adult-onset actinic prurigo in Asians: A case series. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2013 Nov-Dec; 79(6): 783-788.