photoallergy

photoallergy

 [fo″to-al´er-je]

a delayed immunologic type of photosensitivity involving both a chemical substance to which the individual has become previously sensitized and radiant energy.

pho·to·sen·si·ti·za·tion

(fō'tō-sen-si-ti-zā'shŭn),

1. Sensitization of the skin to light, usually due to the action of certain drugs, plants, or other substances; may occur shortly after administration of the drug (phototoxic sensitivity), or may occur only after a latent period of from days to months (photoallergic sensitivity, or photoallergy).

2. Synonym(s): photodynamic sensitization