[Photodermatosis and photoprotection in children].

Photodermatosis is an heterogeneous group of affections characterized by an abnormal sensitivity of skin to sunlight responsible of a local or generalized eruption. Rare in children, the most frequent of them such as sun-burns, phytophotodermatosis and phototoxicity are fortunately benign, brief and spontaneously resolving. Some of them disappear spontaneously after few years like polymorphic light eruptions which are rather observed in children older than ten years. In case of recurrence, rare diagnosis have to be investigated with specific tests (phototests, blood exams, genetic investigations) as some metabolic or genetic disorders may be revealed by a photosensitivity, especially before the age of three years. The questioning of the parents and of the child is fundamental. Many diagnosis may be discussed depending on age and circumstances. Treatment consists in photoprotection recommendations, solar eviction and regular application of protective screens, whose spectrum of protection are different and have to be known in order to prescribe an adapted photoprotection.