Polymorphous light eruption: clinic aspects and pathogenesis

Dermatol Clin. 2014 Jul;32(3):315-34, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2014.03.012.

Abstract

Polymorphous light eruption is an immunologically mediated photodermatosis with high prevalence, particularly among young women in temperate climates, characterized by pruritic skin lesions of variable morphology, occurring in spring or early summer on sun-exposed body sites. A resistance to ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced immunosuppression and a subsequent delayed-type hypersensitivity response to a photoantigen have been suggested as key factors in the disease. Molecular and immunologic disturbances associated with disease pathogenesis include a failure of skin infiltration by neutrophils and other regulatory immune cells on UVR exposure linked to a disturbed cytokine microenvironment. Standard management is based on prevention.

Keywords: Chemotaxis; Cytokines; Immune suppression; Photoantigen; Photoprotection; Polymorphic; Polymorphous light eruption; Skin cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Management*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Photosensitivity Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Photosensitivity Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Photosensitivity Disorders* / etiology
  • Prevalence
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin / radiation effects*
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*