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Reversible increase in photosensitivity to UV-B caused by St. John's wort extract

Golsch S, Vocks E, Rakoski J, Brockow K, Ring J

Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 1997

Abstract

A 61-year-old woman with depression developed recurring elevated itching erythematous lesions in light-exposed areas after taking St. John's Wort-extract for three years. Routine patchtesting did not reveal any relevant reactions and photopatch testing was negative. Using a systemic oral photoprovocation test with St. John's Wort, we were able to demonstrate a decrease of the MED-UVB which was reversible after withdrawal of the medication.

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