Polymorphous light eruption
medical condition
Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is a non-life-threatening and potentially distressing skin condition that presents with itchy red small bumps on sun-exposed skin, particularly the face, neck, forearms and legs. It generally appears 30 minutes to a few hours after sun exposure and may last between one and 14 days. The bumps may become small blisters or plaques and may appear bloody, often healing with minimal scarring.
It is triggered by sunlight and artificial UV exposure in a genetically susceptible person, particularly in temperate climates during the spring and early summer. The resulting itch can cause significant suffering.
PLE is also defined as an idiopathic primary photodermatosis in which the photosensitizer is unknown. For its varying clinical appearances, it is interchangeably named polymorphic or polymorphous.
Treatments include prevention with sun avoidance and supervised light therapy, and symptom control with topical steroids.
Signs and symptoms
Typically, the first episode develops in the spring following the first exposure to intense sun. Further episodes of the irritable rash occur several hours to days following subsequent sun exposure.
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