ABSTRACT
Photoirritation (phototoxicity) has been defined as a nonimmunologic sunlight-
induced skin response (dermatitis) to a photoactive chemical, with the response
being likened to an exaggerated sunburn (Marzulli and Maibach, 1970). The
photoactive chemical may reach the target tissues either after direct application
or indirectly via the blood stream, following ingestion or parenteral adminis-
tration. The skin response is characterized by erythema and sometimes edema,
vesiculation, and pigmentation.
