photosensitive /-sen″sitiv/ [Gk, phos + L, sentire, to feel] , pertaining to increased reactivity of the skin to sunlight caused by a disorder such as albinism or porphyria, or, more frequently, by the use of certain drugs. Relatively brief exposure to sunlight or to an ultraviolet lamp may cause edema, papules, urticaria, or acute burns in individuals with endogenous or acquired photosensitivity. Treatment involves avoidance of exposure to sunlight or the photosensitizing agent.
