What is polymorphous light eruption (PMLE)?
| | Fig. 17.4 Polymorphous light eruption. Erythematous, scaly plaque on the lateral neck, which tended to recur each spring. | PMLE is a common, chronic photoeruption that typically begins in the first three decades of life. There may be a positive family history of sunlight sensitivity. Patients characteristically report the onset of skin disease beginning with sun exposure in spring or early summer. Patients sometimes demonstrate gradual improvement with continuing sun exposure, a phenomenon termed “hardening.” The specific skin lesions of PMLE may be of numerous (polymorphous) types, but one or two morphologic types usually predominate in individual patients. These include erythematous macules, patches, papules, plaques (Fig. 17-4), and vesicles and bullae. Lesions are photodistributed, often on the face and neck, chest, and dorsal arms and hands. The lips may also be involved. The etiology of PMLE is unknown, and most patients with PMLE do not have antinuclear antibodies. Patients with PMLE have been reported to be sensitive to ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet A (UVA), or both. Synonyms include benign summer light eruption and juvenile spring eruption.
Dummer R, Ivanova K, Scheidegger EP, Burg G: Clinical and therapeutic aspects of polymorphous light eruption, Dermatology 207:93–95, 2003.
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