photosensitivity

American  

[foh-tuh-sen-si-tiv-i-tee] / ˌfoʊ təˌsɛn sɪˈtɪv ɪ ti /

noun

1. the quality of being photosensitive.

2. abnormal sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet light, usually following exposure to certain oral or topical drugs or to other sensitizing chemicals and resulting in accelerated burning and blistering of the skin.

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photosensitivity Scientific  

/ fō′tō-sĕn′sĭ-tĭv′ĭ-tē /

1. Sensitivity or responsiveness to light.

2. An abnormally heightened response, especially of the skin or eyes, to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation, caused by certain disorders, medications, or chemicals.

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Etymology

Origin of photosensitivity

First recorded in 1915–20; photo- + sensitivity

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

photosensitivity

"Some of those same mechanisms, like increasing photosensitivity or causing oxidative stress, could theoretically contribute to melanoma development."

From Science Daily ● Nov. 16, 2025

Amlodipine, an antihypertensive drug, was known to cause this kind of photosensitivity, but the patient had started this medicine recently, months after he first mentioned the rash.

From New York Times ● Jul. 6, 2023

I concluded that the photosensitivity side effect is cumulative, increasing with duration of use.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 29, 2021

There are also some scenes with lots of flashing lights, which could be difficult for those with photosensitivity.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 18, 2019

Although some antibiotics can provoke photosensitivity, the condition abates once the medication is discontinued.

From The New Yorker ● Sep. 19, 2016