photosensitivity

[/ˌfoʊtoʊsɛnˈsɪtɪvi/]
nounfemininepl: photosensitivities / fotossensibilidades
fotossensibilidade
1. The quality or state of being sensitive to light; the ability of a substance or organism to respond to light stimulation
The patient developed photosensitivity after taking certain medications.
O paciente desenvolveu fotossensibilidade após tomar certos medicamentos.
2. In medicine, an abnormal reaction of the skin to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation
Photosensitivity can cause severe burns and rashes in affected individuals.
A fotossensibilidade pode causar queimaduras graves e erupções em indivíduos afetados.
3. In biology and chemistry, the property of a substance to change or react when exposed to light
The photosensitivity of silver halide crystals is fundamental to photography.
A fotossensibilidade dos cristais de halogeneto de prata é fundamental para a fotografia.
4. In neurology, sensitivity to light that can trigger or worsen seizures in photosensitive epilepsy
Individuals with photosensitivity should avoid strobe lighting.
Indivíduos com fotossensibilidade devem evitar iluminação estroboscópica.
Photosensitivity is a medical term commonly discussed in dermatology and neurology practices in both the USA and Brazil. In Brazil, patients may also encounter the term 'sensibilidade à luz' in non-technical medical settings. The condition is particularly relevant in tropical regions like Brazil where sun exposure is intense year-round. In the USA, photosensitivity awareness has increased due to discussions about strobe lighting at concerts and events, and medication side effects.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
light sensitivityphotosensitivenesslight reactivityheliotropism
Antonyms / Antônimos
photoresistancelight tolerancephotostability

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
fotossensibilidade
Standard term used in medical and scientific contexts throughout Brazil
Portugal
fotossensibilidade
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; widely used in Portuguese medical literature
Medical contexts
sensibilidade à luz
More colloquial alternative meaning 'sensitivity to light'
Technical/Scientific
fotossensitividade
Less common variant in specialized technical literature

Related Words

photosensitivephotosensitizerphotodermatologyphototherapyphototoxicityultraviolet radiationdermatitis

Related Idioms & Phrases

light sensitivity disorder
sun allergy
photophobia (when referring to light aversion)
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