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PLE (POLYMORPHIC LIGHT ERUPTION)

Polymorphic light eruption (PLE ) is a common recurrent sunlight or artificial light induced rash over the face and exposed skin.  It is seen in spring and summer and commoner in young women.

It is possible that light induces a change of the local antigenic structure resulting in a hypersensitivity response.  However the antigens involves and the process have not been clearly enunciated.

The rash follows minimal exposure to sun or artificial light sources.  The rash appears many hours or even weeks later.  The face and exposed areas most involved.  A similar condition may be seen in children over the ears called as “juvenile spring eruption”.

Treatment

1. Avoid sun exposure and fluorescent lighting.
2. Sunscreens
3. Topical steroids
4. If severe systemic steroids or azathioprine may be tried
5. A special treatment is by “hardening” of the skin.  Prior to summer small doses of ultraviolet light is given under carefully controlled conditions to prepare the skin for the summer.