photoallergic

[ foh-toh-uh-lur-jik ]

adjective

1. photosensitive.

Word History and Origins

Origin of photoallergic¹

First recorded in 1935–40; photo- + allergic

Example Sentences

His reaction was more like a photoallergic dermatitis, in which sunlight causes hives — raised red patches that are intensely itchy and last less than 24 hours.

From New York Times

But that didn’t quite fit either; photoallergic reactions aren’t immediate.

From New York Times

This was a photoallergic reaction.

From New York Times

In one 20-year study of 69 people with documented photoallergic dermatitis, doctors at New York University found that antibiotics and ingredients in sunscreens each caused 23 percent of the reactions, other medications 20 percent, fragrances 13 percent and substances from plants 11 percent.

From New York Times

Unlike phototoxic reactions, which require a rather strong exposure to the offending substance, a photoallergic response can result from relatively small amounts of the allergen.

From New York Times