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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor can diagnose polymorphous light eruption with a physical exam and, in some cases, other tests.
- Physical exam. Your doctor is likely to conduct a thorough physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. Diagnosis of polymorphous light eruption is typically based on your skin's appearance and your history of sun exposure.
- Blood tests and skin biopsy. To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, your doctor may order tests, including blood tests or a skin biopsy.
- Phototesting. Your doctor may also perform phototesting. During phototesting, small areas of your skin are exposed to measured amounts of UVA and UVB light to try to reproduce the problem. If your skin reacts to the UV radiation, you're considered sensitive to sunlight (photosensitive) and may have polymorphous light eruption.
Other conditions that can look like polymorphous light eruption include:
- Photoallergic reaction. This form of sun allergy causes an itchy red rash due to changes in your immune system. When this occurs, your skin reacts each time it's exposed to sunlight after coming in contact with a particular drug, chemical or plant.
- Solar urticaria. This form of sun allergy produces hives — raised, red, itchy welts of various sizes that appear and disappear on your skin. It's triggered by sunlight and can appear on uncovered skin within minutes of exposure.
- Lupus rash. The skin problem most typically associated with lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash (malar rash) that develops across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. This malar rash may be flat or raised and may be blotchy or completely red in the affected areas. The rash can appear after exposure to sunlight.
References
- Morison WL. Photosensitivity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2004;350:1111.
- 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.
