Photodermatitis in a woman on antiretroviral therapy: report of a rare cutaneous adverse drug reaction of efavirenz and review of literature

Anti-retroviral drugs induced photosensitivity may be two culprits in mixed formulation, a case report and literature review

Although the most frequent presentation of adverse drug events amongst HIV- infected individuals is skin rash, photosensitivity is uncommon. We herein described an HIV-infected female who presented with photo-distributed annular target-like eruptions and small tense blisters. Our patient had objectively reduced erythemal thresholds on broadband UV phototesting, to both UVA and UVB. Resolution of the abnormal responses on retesting undertaken after cessation of the tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and efavirenz in mixed formulation for five months confirmed a diagnosis of drug-induced photosensitivity. Given the preferred first-line anti-retroviral therapy which usually contains both TDF and EFV, photoprotection from broad-band ultraviolet wavelengths should be emphasized for the patients receiving this antiretroviral regimen.