A Survey Examination of Patients With Hydroa Vacciniforme

Hydroa vacciniforme is a rare acquired photosensitivity disorder that manifests in childhood. We sought to identify the demographics, disease progression, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment efficacy associated with hydroa vacciniforme using a questionnaire. Nineteen surveys were included in the data analysis. Symptoms occurred throughout the year and the most common dermatologic manifestations included redness, blisters, bumps, scars, itching, and burning, predominantly on sun-exposed areas. The most common associated symptoms included oral ulcers, abdominal pain, and eye ulcers. Most participants limited their sun exposure to less than 10 hours weekly and stated sunscreen somewhat helped prevent breakouts. Most participants had no to limited improvement of their symptoms with treatments. Cutis. 2011;88:245-253.