Photodistributed
A style and clinical descriptor denoting a rash or skin change that is located in areas of maximal sun exposure, used to indicate a possible photodermatosis.
Full Definition
The term 'photodistributed' describes a pattern of skin involvement confined to sun-exposed sites—the face, 'V' of the neck, dorsal forearms, and hands—while characteristically sparing naturally shaded areas such as the upper eyelids, submental region, and skin folds. It is used as a morphological pattern descriptor in dermatological reporting to indicate conditions including lupus erythematosus, drug-induced photosensitivity, pellagra, and polymorphic light eruption. Editors should note that 'photodistributed' is written as a single unhyphenated word when used attributively before a noun, though some style guides accept 'photo-distributed'. Consistency throughout a document is paramount.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred as a single unhyphenated word in most UK dermatological journals. Distinguish from 'photosensitive', which describes the reactive quality of the skin rather than the distribution of a rash.
In Context
- "The rash displayed a photodistributed pattern, with sparing of the nasolabial folds, raising suspicion of dermatomyositis." — Dermatology referral letter
- "Editors were asked to standardise 'photo-distributed' to the unhyphenated form 'photodistributed' throughout the manuscript." — Journal manuscript editorial note