Polymorphous light eruption

Polymorphous light eruption
Classification and external resources
Specialty dermatology
ICD-10 L56.4
ICD-9-CM 692.72
DiseasesDB 10327
MedlinePlus 001477
eMedicine derm/342

Polymorphous light eruption (PLE), or polymorphic light eruption (PMLE), is a skin condition caused by sunlight.

Classification

Two subtypes have been described:[1]

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms include skin irritations, which may be itchy or painful, and are sometimes confused with hives. These irritations appear upon or shortly after exposure to sunlight,[2] and may last from 1 to 7 days. Lesions have been photographed showing fluid-filled blisters.

Secondary symptoms include flu-like symptoms; body aches, skin sensitivity, muscle aches, fever, dizziness, exhaustion, vision impairment, and disorientation.

Causes

The cause of PLE is not yet understood. It is thought to be due to a type IV delayed-type hypersensitivity to an allergen produced in the body following sunlight exposure.[3] It can be provoked by UVA or UVB rays. Some progression to autoimmune disease has been observed.[4]

Prognosis

Generally, PLE resolves without treatment; also, PLE irritations generally leave no scar. However, in severe cases the use of steroids is necessary to help reduce inflammation and increase quality of life of the patient. There are also other therapies for patients who are severely impacted, such as light therapy to harden the skin's surface.

Epidemiology

The cases of this condition are most common between the spring and autumn months in the northern hemisphere.

Typically, 5-20% of fair skinned populations are affected, but it can occur in any skin type.[3] It is more common in females than in males. The condition can affect all ethnic groups and research suggests that 20% of patients have a family history of the complaint. Those suffering from PLE usually do so by age 30.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 1-4160-2999-0.
  2. Schornagel IJ, Sigurdsson V, Nijhuis EH, Bruijnzeel-Koomen CA, Knol EF (July 2004). "Decreased neutrophil skin infiltration after UVB exposure in patients with polymorphous light eruption". J. Invest. Dermatol. 123 (1): 202–6. doi:10.1111/j.0022-202X.2004.22734.x. PMID 15191561.
  3. 1 2 http://www.clinuvel.com/skin-conditions/common-skin-conditions/polymorphous-light-eruption-ple
  4. Hasan T, Ranki A, Jansen CT, Karvonen J (September 1998). "Disease associations in polymorphous light eruption. A long-term follow-up study of 94 patients". Arch Dermatol 134 (9): 1081–5. doi:10.1001/archderm.134.9.1081. PMID 9762018.

External links

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