Photodermatoses - Knowledge @ AMBOSS Doctors think it is a type of delayed allergic reaction. Polymorphous light eruption - Case history | BMJ Best Practice US DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. What treatments are available, and which do you recommend? Sometimes, these papules appear in a dense formation, making the rash look similar to eczema or prickly heat. This could involve: When outside, try to wear lightweight clothes that cover the skin, such as loose long-sleeved tops or dresses. Polymorphic light eruption, Author(s): Dr Prudence Gramp, Dermatology Department, Gold Coast University Hospital, Australia. Sunscreen FAQs. We avoid using tertiary references. [2] However, the "hardening" effect, with respite during the later summer, frequently occurs with gradual exposure of sunlight,[5] eventually leading to significant improvement. [5], Photosensitivity is also found in some of the porphyrias. Using high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing helps minimize UV light exposure. Disclaimer. wide-brimmed hats that cover your head, neck, and ears. doi:10.1111/exd.12427. In PMLE patients, UV radiation leads to an increased amount of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes, and an increased inflammatory response in the epidermis and dermis. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/20/2023. The role of diet in treating PLE requires more research. Sun rash is a red, itchy rash that appears because of exposure to sunlight. Suitable investigations to determine the exclusion of cutaneous lupus erythematosus include full blood count; circulating antinuclear antibodies (ANA); extractable nuclear antigens (ENA); and direct immunofluorescence on histopathology. People who live where sun exposure is uncommon. [7][8](Level V), Gruber-Wackernagel A,Byrne SN,Wolf P, Polymorphous light eruption: clinic aspects and pathogenesis. The reaction usually happens during spring and early summer when exposure to sunlight increases. [25][26], Danish physician Carl Rasch first described the eczema-like polymorphic light eruption in 1900, following his interest in the effect of sunlight on the skin. [4], Treatments include prevention with sun avoidance and supervised light therapy, and symptom control with topical steroids. Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) is a form of photosensitivity, which usually occurs in younger females. FOIA If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. government site. [16], The cases of this condition are most common between the spring and autumn months in the northern hemisphere and at higher altitudes. Epub 2022 Jun 18. It looks like reddened skin with raised red spots or small blisters. PMLE is about four times more common in women than in men. Insight into immunocytes infiltrations in polymorphous light eruption. [2] If resistant, the administration of hydroxychloroquine in early spring is sometimes considered. Exposure to sunlight in spring or summer results in an irritable rash that resolves within a few days, providing further exposure is avoided. (n.d.). It rarely affects the face. [4] It can, however, occur in all age groups and all skin types. Accessed Dec. 9, 2021. [3] The bumps may become small blistersor plaques and may appear bloody,[3]often healing with minimal scarring. Some patients experience PMLE during phototherapy, which is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis. It may range from small red dots to clear fluid-filled dots (vesicles), eczema-looking dry patches, large plaques/papules, or target-like lesions. [7] The resulting itch can cause significant suffering. The course is 2 to 3 treatments per week for 4 to 6 weeks each year. All rights reserved. [4][8], PLE is also defined as an idiopathic primary photodermatosis,[9] in which the photosensitizer is unknown. If you develop a rash shortly after exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light, ask a healthcare provider if you could have polymorphous light eruption (PMLE). Photosensitivity Reactions - Merck Manuals Consumer Version DermNet does not provide an online consultation service. MeSH Some patients have reported a response to UVC from welding arcs. Self-care measures that may help ease signs and symptoms include: To lessen the likelihood of recurring episodes of polymorphous light eruption, take the following precautions: Cover up. If your symptoms are severe, your health care provider may prescribe anti-itch medicine (a corticosteroid cream or pill). It is more common in patients who receive only intermittent sun exposure and typically consists of crops of papules, vesicles or plaques. In up to 50% of cases, people with PLE have family members who also have the condition. You should reapply every 2 hours. Ultraviolet light has two types: UVA and UVB. Phototherapy It occurs after solar or artificial UV-light exposure and affects only the sun-exposed areas with preference of the V-area of the chest, of arms and forearms, legs, upper part of the back, and rarely the face. What side effects can I expect from treatment? Polymorphic light eruption occurs in 18% of Europeans and does not show higher prevalence with increasing latitude: multicenter survey of 6,895 individuals residing from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia. Have you had a similar rash before? Your skin can build up a tolerance to UV light throughout the summer, but this will go away during the winter. Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is an allergic reaction to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) light.
