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What Is Polymorphic Light Eruption?Polymorphic light eruption, otherwiseknown as PLE, is a skin complaint causedby sunlight exposure.Patients are usually affected betweenspring and autumn and sometimes as littleas 15 minutes exposure is enough to causethe problem. A typical history is of apatient being affected on day 2 or 3 ofsunlight exposure with the itchy eruptionappearing several hours later andpersisting for 7 to 10 days. The rashnormally consists of multiple small redspots or blisters. It affects any sunexposed sites but may spare the back ofthe hands and face. The rash may beinduced by UVA wavelengths whichpenetrate window glass and thin clothing.It heals without scarring unless scratchedexcessively.Who Suffers From It?Approximately 10% of the population areaffected and it is much more common infemales than in males (about 9 to 1). Allethnic groups are affected and about 20%of patients have a family history of thecomplaint. It normally appears in the firstthree decades of life i.e. in children andyoung adults.What Causes Polymorphic LightEruption?This is not completely understood. It isthought that sunlight alters a protein in theskin and the body thinks this is foreign andreacts to it (producing the rash).Is PLE Serious?No, but it is a nuisance and may restrictlifestyle during the summer months and onholidays. Once it occurs, patients have tocover up, stay out of the sun and wait for itto settle.How Would I Know That I Have TheCondition?We are normally able to diagnose PLEfrom the patient’s history. Investigationsare performed to rule out other causes ofabnormal photosensitivity. These includeblood tests and phototesting.Can Polymorphic Light Eruption BePrevented?Many patients find that by wearingprotective clothing, avoiding the sunbetween 11 am and 3 pm and frequentlyapplying broad spectrum high protectionfactor sun barrier preparations, that theycan protect themselves. Althougheffective, this may lead to a restrictedlifestyle, particularly during the summermonths.Patients may describe “hardening” orincreased tolerance to sunlight exposure asthe summer progresses and this is relatedto thickening of skin and pigmentation.This phenomenon can be induced byartificial light exposure, otherwise known asdesensitisation, in a hospital phototherapydepartment. The effect is lost during thesubsequent winter and so requiresrepeating annually.Is There Anything I Can Do To Treat TheEruption When It Occurs?Yes, a potent steroid cream should beapplied sparingly to the rash once or twicedaily, until the rash settles down.Occasionally, a course of steroid tablets ora steroid injection may be needed during asevere episode, but this should be avoidedif possible.Can I Get Rid Of It?Occasionally patients report getting betterspontaneously. The majority however,continue to be affected each year butmanage quite well once they understandthe condition and how to control it.

Is It Infectious?No. There is no risk of other peopledeveloping the condition after coming intocontact with you.Is It Hereditary?Dermatology DepartmentAbout 20% of patients have affected familymembers.Which Sun Screen Should I Use?We suggest the use of a broad spectrumsun block (protecting from both ultraviolet A+ B) applied regularly during sunlightexposure.Author:Contact Details:Date of Publication:Date for Review:Ref Source ofInformationDr SI White & Dr SKJones, ConsultantDermatologists0151 334 4000June 2008June 2010British Association ofDermatologistsPatient Information LeafletPolymorphicLightEruptionWirral University Teaching HospitalNHS Foundation TrustClatterbridge HospitalBebington, Wirral CH63 4JYWirral Hospital operates a ‘no smoking’policy and from March 2006 is totallysmoke free on all sites