clinical features

Last reviewed 08/2023

Patients notice eruptions on light exposed surfaces in warm, sunny weather. Lesions are most common on the face, arm, legs and "V-neck" area of the trunk.

Usually, papules develop but individual lesions are variable and larger plaques and blisters may occur. The lesion is often itchy and may be excoriated. It arises within hours or days of exposure and may persist for several days. Lesions resolve without scarring. In a given individual, the appearance of the lesions and their characteristics are usually consistent, but they may vary between different individuals (1).

Polymorphic light eruption generally begins after initial exposure to the sun in the spring or early summer, and tends to fade as the summer progresses.

Reference:

• (1) Wolf P et al. New insights into the mechanisms of polymorphic light eruption: resistance to ultraviolet radiation-induced immune suppression as an aetiological factor. Exp Dermatol. 2009;18(4):350-56