An Unusual Presentation of Doxycycline-Induced Photosensitivity

Yong, Collin K.K. BSc, MB, ChB, FRCP(C)
Prendiville, Julie MB, MRCPI, FRCP(C)
Peacock, Don L. MB, ChB, FRCP(C)
Wong, Lawrence T.K. MBBS, FRCP(C)
Davidson, A. GeorgeF. BSc, MD, FRCP(C)

From the Divisions of *Biochemical Diseases and ‡Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Received for publication Aug 19, 1999; accepted Feb 2, 2000.

Reprint requests to (A.G.F.D.) Room 2C66, Division of Biochemical Diseases, British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital, 4480 Oak St, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, V6H 3V4. E-mail: [email protected]

Pediatrics 106(1):p e13, July 2000.

ABSTRACT.

Photoonycholysis in association with a generalized phototoxic reaction or as an isolated event is a well-recognized complication of the tetracycline group of antibiotics. We describe a 14-year-old white girl with cystic fibrosis who developed photoonycholysis of all 20 nails while receiving treatment with doxycycline. Pediatricians who prescribe tetracyclines should be aware of this potential complication.