PLE

The term ‘light eruption’ means a rash that comes up after exposure to light. ‘Polymorphic’ is two words; ‘poly’ means ‘many,’ and ‘morphic’ means ‘forms.’ In other words, the rash of PLE can take on many different forms, including small red bumps, larger red areas, and blisters.

  In PLE, a rash with one or more of these components comes up a day or two after exposure to the sun. PLE is common, perhaps affecting up to 10% of the population. It tends to be more common in the spring.

PLE responds to sunlight, and as little as 20 minutes of sun can trigger the problem. PLE can come up even when the light has passed through window glass and sometimes even after exposure to fluorescent lighting. Both long (UVA) and short (UVB) wavelengths of ultraviolet light can cause PLE, but it is still unclear how they trigger the rash.

An immunological reaction seems the most likely explanation. Most people with PLE get a rash in the spring after they go out in the sun or when visiting countries with a sunny climate, and sometimes it clears up before they return home. 

If the affected area is exposed to more sun, the rash will get worse and spread; but as the summer continues, the skin becomes resistant to sunlight 

 Other points about PLE: 

• Women get PLE more often than men.
• PLE usually starts before the age of 30 and tends to get worse with time unless there is desensitization or skin hardening. 
• PLE is not infectious and has no connection with skin cancer.

No, but because it is a relatively common condition, about 15% of those who have PLE know of other family members who have it too.

• The rash (pink or red spots) of PLE can itch or have a burning sensation.
• PLE can be embarrassing as it comes up on exposed areas of skin.
• PLE restricts outdoor activities and holidays in the sun.

• PLE ranges from a mild rash that lasts for only a short time to a severe and extensive eruption affecting the quality of life.
• The rash comes up equally on both sides of the body, affecting mainly those parts of the skin kept covered in the winter, such as the arms and the upper trunk. For this reason, the face, neck, and backs of the hands are sometimes, but not always, affected.
• The appearance of the rash varies from person to person. The most common type has large numbers of small red bumps. In other people, the rash is made up of larger red areas and small blisters. The rash of each affected person usually looks the same each time it comes back to that particular person.
• When the rash settles, it does so without scaring.

Diagnosis is clinical easily made on history and examination.

When the rash comes up, a corticosteroid cream or ointment may help to settle it, controlled by Oral steroid, hydroxychloroquine in severe cases. Desensitization in chronic recurrent patients.

Top sun safety tips:

• Spend time in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm when it’s sunny. Seek shade from the sun before the skin has a chance to redden or burn.
• When choosing a sunscreen, look for a high protection SPF (SPF 30 or above) to protect against UVB, and the UVA circle logo or 4 or 5 UVA stars to protect against UVA. Apply plenty of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun, reapply every two hours, and straight after swimming and towel-drying.
• Sunscreens should not be used as an alternative to clothing and shade; instead, they offer additional protection. No sunscreen will provide 100% protection.
• Any changes to a mole or patch of skin, please consult your doctor.
• Taking Vitamin D supplement tablets (available from health food shops) may be helpful as strictly avoiding sunlight can reduce Vitamin D levels. PLE ranges from a mild rash that lasts for only a short time to a severe and extensive eruption affecting the quality of life.