Polymorphous Light Eruption
Overview
Sun sensitivity can cause a skin rash called polymorphous light eruption (PLE). This rash happens when someone's skin becomes unusually reactive to sunlight. Essentially, the skin is reacting in a way that it wouldn't normally. The rash often shows up as small, red, raised bumps or slightly swollen patches on the skin. These spots can be itchy or uncomfortable.
Symptoms
Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is a skin condition that can cause a bumpy rash. The rash often appears as:
- Small, grouped bumps or blisters: Think tiny, raised spots that might be close together.
- Red, raised, and rough patches: These areas might feel slightly bumpy or rough to the touch.
- Itching or burning: The rash can be uncomfortable, causing an irritating itching or burning sensation.
Causes
Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is a skin rash that happens when someone becomes sensitive to sunlight. Scientists don't fully know why this happens. Essentially, some people develop a sensitivity to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, or UV rays from other sources like tanning beds. This sensitivity is called photosensitivity. When a photosensitive person is exposed to sunlight, their immune system reacts, leading to a skin rash.
Risk factors
Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) can affect anyone, but some things make it more likely to happen. These include:
- Being a woman: Women are more prone to developing PLE than men.
- Having sensitive skin: People with skin that burns easily from sun exposure are at higher risk. This means their skin reacts more strongly to sunlight.
- Living in areas with less sunlight: People who live in areas further north, where sunlight is less intense or less frequent, can still experience PLE. This is because their skin might not be as used to the amount of UV light it receives.
- Having a family history of PLE: If someone in your family has had PLE, you might be more likely to get it too. This suggests there could be a genetic component or a similar predisposition to the condition within the family.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Polymorphous Light Eruption
Your doctor can usually diagnose polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) just by examining your skin and asking you questions. They might suggest some tests to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other possible problems.
These tests could include:
-
Skin Biopsy: A small piece of the rash is taken (a biopsy) and sent to a lab for examination. This helps the doctor look closely at the skin cells to see if they show signs of PMLE.
-
Blood Tests: A blood sample is taken to check for other potential problems, like infections or diseases that might cause similar skin reactions.
-
Phototesting: A dermatologist (skin specialist) carefully exposes small areas of your skin to different amounts of sunlight (ultraviolet A and B light, or UVA and UVB). This helps determine if your skin is unusually sensitive to sunlight. If your skin reacts, it suggests you might have PMLE or another condition that makes you sensitive to sunlight.
Important Considerations:
Your doctor might also need to rule out other conditions that cause skin reactions triggered by sunlight. These include:
-
Chemical Photosensitivity: Some medicines, lotions, fragrances, or plant products can make your skin react to sunlight. This means your skin might get a reaction every time you're exposed to sunlight after using or coming into contact with that specific chemical.
-
Solar Urticaria: This is a sun-induced allergic reaction that causes hives (raised, itchy welts) on your skin. These hives can appear quickly after sun exposure and disappear within minutes to hours. Solar urticaria can last for a long time.
-
Lupus Rash: Lupus is a disease that affects many parts of the body. One symptom is a bumpy rash that often appears on areas of skin that get sun exposure, such as the face, neck, or upper chest.
If you have any of these symptoms or think you might be experiencing a skin reaction to sunlight, it's important to see a doctor. They can properly diagnose the condition and recommend the best course of treatment.
Treatment
Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is a skin rash that often clears up on its own within a week or two. Most people don't need any special treatment. The rash typically goes away without any intervention.
However, if the rash is very itchy or bothersome, a doctor might suggest medicine to relieve the itching. This could be a cream or a pill, often a type of medicine called a corticosteroid.
For people who get PLE very badly and it significantly interferes with their lives, a treatment called phototherapy might be recommended, especially to prevent it from happening again each year. Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to small amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light, like UVA or UVB. This helps make the skin less sensitive to sunlight, similar to gradually getting used to the sun's stronger rays during the summer.
Self-care
Managing Polymorphous Light Eruption (PLE) Symptoms and Preventing Recurrence
Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is a skin reaction that often happens when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Here are some ways to relieve the symptoms and help prevent future outbreaks:
Easing Symptoms:
- Soothe itching: If your skin is itchy, try a non-prescription anti-itch cream containing at least 1% hydrocortisone. Oral antihistamines can also help reduce itching.
- Cool it down: Applying a cool, damp cloth or taking a cool bath can help soothe the affected skin.
- Protect blisters: Let any blisters heal naturally. If needed, gently cover them with a thin layer of gauze to protect them.
- Manage pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce any inflammation and discomfort.
Preventing Future Outbreaks:
- Sun avoidance: The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Try to limit your outdoor time during these hours.
- Sunscreen is key: Fifteen minutes before heading outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply a generous amount, and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating. If using a spray sunscreen, make sure you cover the affected area completely.
- Cover up: Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat can provide significant sun protection. Look for clothing labeled with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 40 or 50. Follow the care instructions on the clothing label to maintain its sun protection.
Important Note: These tips can help manage your symptoms and prevent future occurrences of PLE. However, if your symptoms are severe or don't improve, it's important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Preparing for your appointment
Getting Help for a Polymorphous Light Eruption Rash
If you have a rash that seems to be triggered by sunlight, you'll likely start by seeing your family doctor. They might refer you to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin conditions.
To prepare for your appointment, gather some information.
Preparing for Your Doctor's Appointment:
It's helpful to think about questions you want to ask ahead of time. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history, and you should be prepared to answer honestly. Here are some important things to consider:
- Pre-appointment checks: Before your appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do beforehand. For example, you might need to fast or avoid certain foods.
- Detailed symptom list: Write down all your symptoms, even those that seem unrelated to the rash. Be as specific as possible about when they started, how they feel (itchy, painful, etc.), and how severe they are.
- Personal history: Include any recent life changes, stress, or other factors that might be relevant.
- Medications and supplements: Make a list of all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you're taking, including the doses.
- Questions for your doctor: Write down a list of questions you want to ask. This will help you remember everything.
Example questions to ask your doctor:
- What's the likely cause of my rash?
- What tests might I need, and what preparation is needed for those tests?
- Is this a temporary or long-term condition?
- Could this rash be related to a more serious health problem?
- What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
- What are the potential side effects of the recommended treatments?
- Are there any restrictions I need to follow?
- Are there any generic alternatives to the prescribed medication?
- Can I get any printed information or recommend websites for further reading?
Questions Your Doctor May Ask:
Your doctor will likely ask you questions about the rash, such as:
- When did the rash first appear?
- Does the rash itch or hurt?
- Have you had a fever with the rash?
- Are there any other symptoms besides the rash?
- Have you started any new medications recently?
- Have you used any new cosmetics or perfumes recently?
- Have you had a similar rash before? When?
- Has your sun exposure increased recently?
- Have you used a tanning bed or lamp recently?
- Do you use sunscreen?
Sun Protection Advice:
Limit sun exposure as much as possible. If you can't avoid the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it generously 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating. While sunscreen helps, it won't completely block ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can still penetrate most sunscreens.
By being prepared with information about your symptoms and history, you can have a more productive and helpful discussion with your doctor, leading to a better understanding and treatment plan for your polymorphous light eruption.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.