Polymorphous light eruption: Difference between revisions
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[[file:Sequeira_Plate_6.jpg|thumb | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Polymorphous light eruption | |||
| image = [[File:Polymorphic_Light_Eruption_on_the_chest.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Polymorphous light eruption on the chest | |||
| synonyms = PMLE, polymorphic light eruption, sun allergy | |||
| specialty = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Itching]], [[redness]], [[rash]] | |||
| onset = Minutes to hours after sun exposure | |||
| duration = Days to weeks | |||
| causes = [[Ultraviolet]] light exposure | |||
| risks = [[Fair skin]], [[female]] gender, [[family history]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[phototesting]] | |||
| differential = [[Lupus erythematosus]], [[solar urticaria]], [[contact dermatitis]] | |||
| prevention = [[Sun protection]], [[sunscreen]] | |||
| treatment = [[Topical corticosteroids]], [[antihistamines]], [[phototherapy]] | |||
| frequency = Common in temperate climates | |||
}} | |||
[[file:Sequeira_Plate_6.jpg|left|thumb]] '''Polymorphous light eruption''' ('''PMLE''') is a common [[photodermatosis]] characterized by an abnormal skin reaction to [[ultraviolet (UV) radiation]]. It typically manifests as an itchy rash that appears on sun-exposed areas of the skin. | |||
==Presentation== | ==Presentation== | ||
PMLE usually presents within hours to days after exposure to sunlight. The rash can take various forms, including [[papules]], [[vesicles]], and [[plaques]]. Commonly affected areas include the [[neck]], [[arms]], and the [[back of the hands]]. The rash is often accompanied by [[pruritus]] (itching) and may persist for several days before resolving. | PMLE usually presents within hours to days after exposure to sunlight. The rash can take various forms, including [[papules]], [[vesicles]], and [[plaques]]. Commonly affected areas include the [[neck]], [[arms]], and the [[back of the hands]]. The rash is often accompanied by [[pruritus]] (itching) and may persist for several days before resolving. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
The exact cause of PMLE is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an abnormal immune response to UV radiation. This response leads to the release of inflammatory mediators and subsequent skin changes. Both [[UVA]] and [[UVB]] radiation can trigger PMLE, although UVB is more commonly implicated. | The exact cause of PMLE is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an abnormal immune response to UV radiation. This response leads to the release of inflammatory mediators and subsequent skin changes. Both [[UVA]] and [[UVB]] radiation can trigger PMLE, although UVB is more commonly implicated. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of PMLE is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the rash and its temporal relationship to sun exposure. A detailed patient history and physical examination are essential. In some cases, a [[skin biopsy]] may be performed to rule out other conditions. [[Phototesting]] can also be used to confirm the diagnosis by reproducing the rash with controlled UV exposure. | Diagnosis of PMLE is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the rash and its temporal relationship to sun exposure. A detailed patient history and physical examination are essential. In some cases, a [[skin biopsy]] may be performed to rule out other conditions. [[Phototesting]] can also be used to confirm the diagnosis by reproducing the rash with controlled UV exposure. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Management of PMLE involves both preventive and therapeutic measures. Preventive strategies include: | Management of PMLE involves both preventive and therapeutic measures. Preventive strategies include: | ||
| Line 15: | Line 29: | ||
* Wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats. | * Wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats. | ||
* Using broad-spectrum [[sunscreen]] with high [[SPF]]. | * Using broad-spectrum [[sunscreen]] with high [[SPF]]. | ||
Therapeutic options for managing symptoms include: | Therapeutic options for managing symptoms include: | ||
* Topical [[corticosteroids]] to reduce inflammation. | * Topical [[corticosteroids]] to reduce inflammation. | ||
* Oral [[antihistamines]] to alleviate itching. | * Oral [[antihistamines]] to alleviate itching. | ||
* In severe cases, [[phototherapy]] or [[immunosuppressive]] agents may be considered. | * In severe cases, [[phototherapy]] or [[immunosuppressive]] agents may be considered. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for PMLE is generally good, with most individuals experiencing improvement with preventive measures and treatment. However, the condition can be recurrent, particularly during the spring and summer months when sun exposure is more frequent. | The prognosis for PMLE is generally good, with most individuals experiencing improvement with preventive measures and treatment. However, the condition can be recurrent, particularly during the spring and summer months when sun exposure is more frequent. | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
PMLE is more common in women than men and typically occurs in young adults. It is also more prevalent in individuals with fair skin types. The condition is less common in tropical regions, possibly due to the development of natural photoprotection from chronic sun exposure. | PMLE is more common in women than men and typically occurs in young adults. It is also more prevalent in individuals with fair skin types. The condition is less common in tropical regions, possibly due to the development of natural photoprotection from chronic sun exposure. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Photodermatosis]] | * [[Photodermatosis]] | ||
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* [[Skin biopsy]] | * [[Skin biopsy]] | ||
* [[Phototherapy]] | * [[Phototherapy]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions resulting from physical factors]] | [[Category:Skin conditions resulting from physical factors]] | ||
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]] | [[Category:Autoimmune diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Sunlight]] | [[Category:Sunlight]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 06:26, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Polymorphous light eruption | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | PMLE, polymorphic light eruption, sun allergy |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Itching, redness, rash |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Minutes to hours after sun exposure |
| Duration | Days to weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Ultraviolet light exposure |
| Risks | Fair skin, female gender, family history |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, phototesting |
| Differential diagnosis | Lupus erythematosus, solar urticaria, contact dermatitis |
| Prevention | Sun protection, sunscreen |
| Treatment | Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, phototherapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in temperate climates |
| Deaths | N/A |
Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is a common photodermatosis characterized by an abnormal skin reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It typically manifests as an itchy rash that appears on sun-exposed areas of the skin.
Presentation[edit]
PMLE usually presents within hours to days after exposure to sunlight. The rash can take various forms, including papules, vesicles, and plaques. Commonly affected areas include the neck, arms, and the back of the hands. The rash is often accompanied by pruritus (itching) and may persist for several days before resolving.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The exact cause of PMLE is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an abnormal immune response to UV radiation. This response leads to the release of inflammatory mediators and subsequent skin changes. Both UVA and UVB radiation can trigger PMLE, although UVB is more commonly implicated.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of PMLE is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the rash and its temporal relationship to sun exposure. A detailed patient history and physical examination are essential. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions. Phototesting can also be used to confirm the diagnosis by reproducing the rash with controlled UV exposure.
Management[edit]
Management of PMLE involves both preventive and therapeutic measures. Preventive strategies include:
- Avoiding sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
- Wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
- Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF.
Therapeutic options for managing symptoms include:
- Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Oral antihistamines to alleviate itching.
- In severe cases, phototherapy or immunosuppressive agents may be considered.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for PMLE is generally good, with most individuals experiencing improvement with preventive measures and treatment. However, the condition can be recurrent, particularly during the spring and summer months when sun exposure is more frequent.
Epidemiology[edit]
PMLE is more common in women than men and typically occurs in young adults. It is also more prevalent in individuals with fair skin types. The condition is less common in tropical regions, possibly due to the development of natural photoprotection from chronic sun exposure.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
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