Photoageing
Premature skin ageing caused by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation, producing dyspigmentation, solar elastosis, and deep wrinkles.
Full Definition
Photoageing (also spelled 'photoaging' in American English) describes the extrinsic cutaneous ageing process driven by chronic UV-A and UV-B exposure, superimposed upon and accelerating intrinsic chronological ageing. Histologically, it is characterised by solar elastosis, irregular melanocyte distribution, and dermal inflammatory infiltrate. Clinically it manifests as coarse wrinkling, mottled pigmentation, telangiectasia, and increased risk of actinic keratosis. Editors must apply consistent hyphenation and spelling according to house style: British English favours 'photoageing'; American English uses 'photoaging'. The condition is also referenced by its ICD-11 term 'dermatoheliosis'.
Usage
Usage note: British English: 'photoageing'; American English: 'photoaging'. Confirm house style and apply consistently. Synonymous with dermatoheliosis in ICD-11 coding.
In Context
- "Long-term topical retinoid therapy has the strongest evidence base for reversing the signs of photoageing." — Review article conclusion
- "The US submission used 'photoaging' consistently; for the UK edition, this was amended to 'photoageing' in line with house style." — Localisation editing note