ABSTRACT
Photoirritation (phototoxicity) has been defi ned 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 administration. The skin response is characterized by erythema and sometimes edema, vesiculation, and pigmentation.
