Overview
Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD), also known as persistent light reactivity or actinic reticuloid, is a skin condition in which the skin becomes extremely sensitive to sunlight and sometimes even artificial light. It mainly affects areas of skin that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, hands, and forearms. The condition causes the skin to become red, thickened, inflamed, and very itchy. In severe cases, the rash can spread to areas that are not directly exposed to light. CAD most commonly affects middle-aged and older men, though it can occur in anyone. It is thought to develop as an abnormal immune response to substances in the skin that are changed by ultraviolet (UV) light. Many people with CAD also have contact allergies to certain plants, fragrances, sunscreens, or rubber chemicals, which may play a role in triggering or worsening the condition. Treatment focuses on strict sun avoidance, protective clothing, and the use of broad-spectrum sunscreens. Topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors are commonly used to reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe immunosuppressive medications such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, or mycophenolate mofetil. Some patients improve over time, especially if triggering allergens are identified and avoided, but the condition can persist for many years and significantly affect quality of life.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Severe itching of sun-exposed skinRed, inflamed patches on the face, neck, and handsThickened, leathery skin in affected areasDry, scaly skinSwelling of the skin after sun exposureSkin rash that worsens with even brief sun exposureDarkening or discoloration of affected skinRash spreading to areas not directly exposed to sunlightCracking or oozing of the skin in severe casesSensitivity to artificial light sources such as fluorescent bulbs
Clinical phenotype terms (12)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
1 eventNovartis Pharmaceuticals — PHASE2
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Chronic actinic dermatitis.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Chronic actinic dermatitis at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Chronic actinic dermatitis.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Chronic actinic dermatitis.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Chronic actinic dermatitis
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: Study of Remibrutinib (LOU064) Efficacy and Safety and Exploration of Its Mechanism of Action in Participants With Chronic Urticaria
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Chronic actinic dermatitis
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What specific wavelengths of light am I sensitive to, and how was this determined?,Could any of my current products, medications, or allergens be making my condition worse?,What sunscreen ingredients should I avoid, and which are safe for me?,What treatment options are available if topical creams are not enough to control my symptoms?,Are there risks associated with long-term use of immunosuppressive medications for this condition?,Is there a chance my condition will improve or resolve over time?,Should I make changes to my home or workplace lighting to reduce flare-ups?
Common questions about Chronic actinic dermatitis
What is Chronic actinic dermatitis?
Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD), also known as persistent light reactivity or actinic reticuloid, is a skin condition in which the skin becomes extremely sensitive to sunlight and sometimes even artificial light. It mainly affects areas of skin that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, hands, and forearms. The condition causes the skin to become red, thickened, inflamed, and very itchy. In severe cases, the rash can spread to areas that are not directly exposed to light. CAD most commonly affects middle-aged and older men, though it can occur in anyone. It is thought to
How is Chronic actinic dermatitis inherited?
Chronic actinic dermatitis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Chronic actinic dermatitis typically begin?
Typical onset of Chronic actinic dermatitis is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Chronic actinic dermatitis?
16 specialists and care centers treating Chronic actinic dermatitis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.