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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Polymorphous light eruption symptoms include a red rash that develops after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is found in sunlight and commercial tanning lamps and tanning beds. The rash begins within hours after UV exposure and can last up to a week or longer. The amount of UV radiation needed to trigger a reaction varies greatly.
The rash can look different from person to person but typically includes one or more of the following:
- Small bumps
- Redness
- Itching
- Burning
- Blistering and swelling
- Accompanied by chills, headache, nausea and a general sick feeling
The inflammation occurs most often on the front of your neck and chest as well as on the arms and thighs.
Polymorphous light eruption usually affects people in northern climates after one or two exposures to sunlight in the spring or early summer. It may also affect people who vacation in sunny locations during the winter. With each exposure, light sensitivity decreases so that the eruptions typically stop by the end of the summer. The inflammation may return the following spring, however, after new exposures to sunlight.
When to see a doctor
If you experience skin reactions after relatively minor exposures to sunlight, see your doctor. He or she can confirm the diagnosis of polymorphous light eruption and help you create a treatment plan to prevent future episodes.
Also, see your doctor if the rash and inflammation:
- Covers large portions of your body
- Is accompanied by a high fever or extreme pain
- Begins to blister
- Continues despite your efforts to avoid sun exposure
- Occurs after you take certain medications, such as antidepressants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
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- Habif TP. Light-related diseases and disorders of pigmentation. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/112343683-3/0/1195/133.html?tocnode=51442249&fromURL=133.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50021-2--cesec54_2402. Accessed Dec. 2, 2008.
- The sun and your skin. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/sun_sun.html. Accessed Dec. 3, 2008.
- DeLeo V. Sunscreen use in photodermatoses. Dermatology Clinics. 2006;24:27.
- Hawk JL, et al. Abnormal responses to ultraviolet radiation: Idiopathic, probably immunologic, and photo-exacerbated. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2979797. Accessed Dec. 2, 2008.
- Millard TP, et al. Photosensitivity disorders: Cause, effect and management. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2002;3:239.
- Bickers DR. Photosensitivity and other reactions to light. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2868622. Accessed Dec. 3, 2008.
- Benseler SM, et al. Systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America. 2007;33:471.
- FDA approves a new over-the-counter sunscreen product. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01417.html. Accessed Dec. 10, 2008.
