Polymorphic Light Eruption

PLE can appear on any part of your body that’s exposed to the sun or UV rays, but it’s most common in areas that are kept covered in the winter, such as your arms, upper thighs, and chest.

The reaction is more common in spring and early summer when exposure to sunlight increases. You can even develop a rash if you’re wearing thin clothes or are sitting near a window in sunny weather.

Symptoms of PLE usually start within a few hours of exposure to UV light, but can occur after as little as 20 minutes or appear up to 2 to 3 days later. The rash usually lasts for less than a week.

The appearance of a PLE rash varies from person to person. Symptoms of a polymorphous light eruption rash may include:

• small, raised clusters of pink or red bumps or blisters (this may be harder to see on dark skin) 

• larger blotchy areas

• itching or a burning sensation

• a fever, nausea or a headache (rarely)

It’s not known exactly why PLE happens, but it’s thought that UV radiation alters your skin, triggering a reaction in your immune system that causes inflammation in the skin.

PLE is not a hereditary or infectious skin condition and has no connection with skin cancer.

At your consultation, your dermatologist will ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history and any medications you take regularly. They’ll also perform a physical examination of your skin. 

Your dermatologist can usually diagnose PLE based on your symptoms and skin examination. 

Your consultant may take a small sample of skin (biopsy) for testing or conduct tests such as blood tests to rule out other similar conditions.

In some cases, your consultant may recommend a diagnostic procedure called phototesting. This involves exposing your skin to different amounts and wavelengths of ultraviolet and visible light to try to reproduce your rash and rule out other, rarer types of sun sensitivity.

Polymorphic light eruption can’t always be prevented, but you can reduce your risk of a reaction by avoiding exposure to the sun or UV light. 

Some steps you can take to reduce your risk of PLE include: 

• avoiding exposing your skin to sunlight 

• learning how much sunlight your skin can tolerate and staying within that limit

• gradually exposing your skin to short periods of sunlight in the spring to help it get used to the sun

• staying out of the sun between 10am and 4pm when UV rays are strongest

• using a good quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (50 or above) and applying it 15 to 20 minutes before going outside and reapplying every 2 hours

• covering exposed areas of your skin and wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outside 

• not using use tanning beds

Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is not usually serious, and complications are rare. However, in some cases, PLE can lead to emotional distress, physical discomfort, and negatively impact your quality of life. 

Potential complications of PLE include: 

• emotional and psychological issues – symptoms such as itching and burning can cause emotional distress and may lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression 

• avoidance of activities that may trigger symptoms, such as attending events outside or going on holiday

• discomfort – the itching and burning caused by PLE can be intense and uncomfortable 

• vitamin D deficiency – avoiding sunlight can lead to low levels of vitamin D, which your skin gets from exposure to the sun

There’s no cure for PLE, but there are several treatments available to help manage your symptoms. 

These include: 

• topical steroids – these are creams that you apply to your skin when the rash appears and help reduce inflammation 

• antihistamine tablets – this medication helps reduce the itching associated with PLE 

• phototherapy (light therapy) – this is a desensitisation treatment that can help stop your skin reacting to sunlight by gradually exposing it to increased doses of ultraviolet light. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need between 6 and 12 phototherapy sessions

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.