Phototoxins are toxins that can cause allergic reactions in particularly susceptible individuals and which can cause dangerous photosensitivity in a much broader range of subjects.

Phototoxins are common in:

• a variety of plants (including food plants where they may be a biological defence):
  • many citruses contain essential oils that are photosensitisers;
  • some homeopathic remedies (notably St John's wort, though incident rates for this plant are reportedly low);

• some prescribed medications; and
• many essential oils, perfumes and cosmetics.

Ingested medications may cause systemic photosensitivity and topically applied medications, cosmetics and esssential oils may lead to local (or perhaps systemic) photosenstivity. Curiously and ironically, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) found in some sunscreens can also cause photosensitivity.

Upon exposure to light, notably light containing ultraviolet radiation, discolouration of the skin (whether as inflammation, lightening or darkening) or rashes may result. In extreme cases, blistering may also occur.

See also

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• Photodermatitis
• Photosensitivity in animals
• Photoallergy

dermatology | toxicology