Actinic prurigo (AP) is an idiopathic photodermatosis which affects mainly the mestizo population in Latin America.
The actinic Prurigo has an early onset, a slight predominance in women, and affects the sun-exposed areas of the skin, causing erythematous papules and lichenified plaques secondary to intense and chronic pruritus.
Actinic prurigo is characterised by an intensely itchy rash.
The rash consists of an eruption of small, scratched, red and inflamed papules, thickened plaques, and nodules.
The rash usually appears hours or days following sun exposure.
Actinic prurigo occurs in affected individuals following exposure to sun light.
The reason why this reaction between skin and sunlight occurs remains unclear.
Current research suggests that actinic prurigo may be an allergic reaction to proteins altered by sunlight in people who have inherited certain genes.
Minor cases of actinic prurigo can be treated with sun-avoidance alone.
Proper sun protection includes avoiding sunlight by staying indoors or in shaded areas, wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and wide-brim hats, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is an immunologically mediated photodermatosis characterized by pruritic eczematous and lichenified plaques located predominantly on sun-exposed areas with notable sparing of eyelids, skin folds, and postauricular skin.