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BACKGROUND: Idiopathic photosensitive skin disorders, or idiopathic photodermatoses, are characterized by abnormal reactions to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. They encompass conditions such as actinic prurigo, chronic actinic dermatitis, solar urticaria, photoaggravated psoriasis, polymorphic light eruption and photoaggravated eczema. Treatment options remain limited, but monoclonal antibodies (such as dupilumab, omalizumab, adalimumab, ustekinumab) and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (such as tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib) have emerged as promising potential therapies. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy of these biologics and JAK inhibitors in managing these conditions, despite their lack of formal approval. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar and the Wiley Online Library. Inclusion criteria focused on studies published between 1960 and 2025 investigating monoclonal antibodies and JAK inhibitors for idiopathic photodermatoses, excluding other treatment modalities. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies involving 96 patients met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were case series or reports. Findings indicated significant reductions in disease activity and improvement in quality-of-life metrics (such as the Dermatology Life Quality Index) across various conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of high-quality studies and the reliance on case reports limit generalizability. Variations in treatment regimens and outcome measures pose additional challenges. Monoclonal antibodies and JAK inhibitors demonstrate promise in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in idiopathic photosensitive skin disorders. As these treatments are not formally indicated for these conditions, further research is warranted to confirm their efficacy and safety. This review highlights the need for clinical trials to enhance understanding and management of these challenging dermatological conditions.
Alawadhi et al. (Sun,) studied this question.