Mechanisms and behaviour in photosensitivity
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Biological mechanisms and behavioural factors in photosensitivity
IRAS ID
225460
Contact name
Lesley Rhodes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
People with photosensitivity have abnormal skin reactions to small amounts of sunlight, which may include intense itching, swelling, redness and pain. In some conditions, symptoms appear after only 5-10 minutes of exposure. Due to a lack of effective approved treatments, people with photosensitivity must rely on strict sunlight protection measures and sunlight avoidance which has a huge negative impact on outdoor activities, family life, mental health and employment. Many photosensitivity disorders are thought to be caused by aberrant immune responses but there is little understanding of the mechanisms. The relationship between sunlight exposure and photosensitivity symptoms is not simple and may depend on a range of factors including patterns of sunlight exposure behaviour. To better understand the biological mechanisms involved in photosensitivity, we will undertake a research study involving skin and blood sampling procedures to compare responses to simulated sunlight in patients with photosensitivity and non-photosensitive individuals, including those without skin conditions and patients with skin conditions that may be improved or aggrevated by sunlight). We will also study patterns of daylight exposure behaviour of photosensitive patients (e.g. time outdoors, clothing worn, use of sunscreen) in different seasons of the year and relate these to occurrence of photosensitivity symptoms to inform prevention and management. This study is being funded by the National Institute for Health Research and will be undertaken in the Photobiology Unit, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0494
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion