Polymorphous light eruption

Polymorphous light eruption is an eruption consisting of erythematous papules and plaques on the sun exposed skin induced by ultra-violet radiation, most typically UVA.
This eruption is quite common, and is most often seen in the spring. Over the summer there appears to be increasing skin tolerance.
The etiology is not known.

Treatment:

• The use of broad spectrum sunscreens is frequently helpful, as is the use of medium strength glucocorticoids.
• More severe chronic cases may require the use of anti-malarials such as hydroxychloroquine sulfate 200 mg/bid. Visual field examinations must be regularly performed if antimalarial agents are being used.
• PUVA, UVB and narrow band UVB

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