Polymorphous light eruption

Polymorphous light eruption typically onsets during adolescence and young adulthood.

Mainly affects women.

Typically, manifests after exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation (UVR); clinical symptoms last several days and remission occurs without complication.

Papules/papulovesicles and plaques on exposed sites are characteristic.

Topical corticosteroid creams or lotions are the mainstay of therapy, with the addition of oral corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in severe disease.

Prophylaxis is an important part of management with avoidance of sun exposure, physical UVR protection, and light hardening.

Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is a benign skin disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people after exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Clinical signs include severe itching and small papules, plaques, and papulovesicles on predilection sites, such as the V-shaped neck area, dorsal aspects of the arms, hands, legs, and less commonly on the face. Aetiology remains elusive; however, longer wavelength UVR (315-400nm) induced oxidative stress appears to play a key role.