Polymorphous Light Eruption

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Polymorphic Light Eruption (PLE) is a skin complaint caused by sunlight. Symptoms include skin irritations, which may be itchy or painful, and are sometimes confused with hives. These irritations appear upon exposure to sunlight--sometimes as little as 15 minutes of exposure to the sun can bring onset of the condition--and may last from 1 to 7 days. Generally, PLE resolves without treatment; also, PLE irritations generally leave no scar. The cases of this condition are most common between the spring and autumn months in the northern hemisphere.

Typically, 10-20% of the population are affected and it is more common in females than in males. The condition can affect all ethnic groups and research suggests that 20% of patients have a family history of the complaint. Those suffering from PMLE usually do so by age 30.

The cause of PLE is not yet understood. It is thought to be due to a type iv delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction.