Overview

Polymorphous light eruption is a rash caused by sun exposure in people who have developed sensitivity to sunlight. The rash usually appears as tiny, inflamed bumps or slightly raised patches of skin.

Polymorphic light eruption on the chest

Polymorphous light eruption on the chest

Polymorphous light eruption is a rash that affects parts of the body that are exposed to more sunlight as daylight hours get longer, such as the front of the neck and chest. Polymorphous means that the rash can have many forms, such as tiny bumps, raised areas or blisters.

The reaction usually happens during spring and early summer when exposure to sunlight increases. It's less likely to be repeated as the summer progresses. But the rash often happens again each year after the first time. If you're going to develop this sensitivity, the first instance will likely be in your teens or 20s.

The condition is also known as polymorphic light eruption, sun allergy and sun poisoning.

Polymorphous light eruption usually goes away on its own without scarring within 10 days. People with severe or persistent rashes may need medication.


Symptoms

Symptoms of the rash in polymorphous light eruption may include:

  • Dense clusters of small bumps and blisters
  • Inflamed, raised rough patches
  • Itching or burning
Polymorphous light eruption on arm

Polymorphous light eruption on arm

The rash that results from polymorphous light eruption can look different from person to person but typically includes inflammation, itching and small bumps that may be densely packed together.

People may rarely have other symptoms such as fever and chills.

In polymorphous light eruption, eruption refers to the rash, which usually appears 30 minutes to several hours after sun exposure. The rash usually appears on areas of the body that are covered during winter but exposed in summer such as the upper chest, front of the neck and arms.

When to see a health care provider

See your health care provider if you have any rash with no obvious cause, such as a known allergy or recent contact with poison ivy.

Polymorphous light eruption rashes look similar to rashes caused by other diseases, some of which are serious. So it's important to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Seek immediate medical care if your rash is:

  • Widespread
  • Painful
  • Accompanied by fever

Causes

The exact cause of polymorphous light eruption isn't understood. The rash appears in people who have developed sensitivity to sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources, such as tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. It leads to immune system activity that causes a rash.

UV radiation

ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a wavelength of sunlight in a range too short for the human eye to see. UV light that reaches the earth is divided into two wavelength bands — ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB).

A person with photosensitivity can react to both types of UV radiation. ultraviolet B (UVB) doesn't penetrate glass. ultraviolet A (UVA) does. Exposure to sunlight through windows or even sunscreen-protected skin may cause a reaction in some people with photosensitivity.

Photosensitivity

With polymorphous light eruption, sensitivity to sunlight lessens with repeated exposure. Features of polymorphous light eruption are somewhat predictable:

  • An episode is most likely to occur after the first one or two times of sun exposure after a long period of no exposure, such as in spring or early summer.
  • Episodes are less likely to happen as the summer progresses.
  • After the first episode, it's likely to happen each year. Some people gradually become less sensitive over several years and eventually no longer experience the yearly rash.

Risk factors

Anyone can develop polymorphous light eruption, but several factors are associated with an increased risk of the condition:

  • Being female
  • Having skin that sunburns easily
  • Living in northern regions
  • Having a family history of the condition

Mar 15, 2022

  1. AskMayoExpert. Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE). Mayo Clinic; 2021.
  2. Elmets CA. Polymorphous light eruption. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 12, 2021.
  3. Photosensitivity. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/reactions-to-sunlight/photosensitivity?query=photosensitivity#. Accessed Nov. 12, 2021.
  4. Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen. Accessed Nov. 12, 2021.
  5. Kliegman RM, et al. Photosensitivity. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 9, 2021.
  6. Patterson JW. Reactions to physical agents. In: Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 9, 2021.
  7. James WD, et al. Dermatoses resulting from physical factors. In: Andrews' Diseases of the Skin.: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 9, 2021.
  8. Sunscreen: How to help protect your skin from the sun. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun. Accessed Nov. 12, 2021.
  9. Murphy F, et al. Treatment for burn blisters: Debride or leave intact? Emergency Nurse. 2014;22:24.
  10. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Dec. 16, 2021.
  11. Melanoma prevention. American Melanoma Foundation. https://melanomafoundation.org/melanoma-prevention. Accessed Dec. 9, 2021.
  12. Sunscreens. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens#.UbdQaJzm9lP. Accessed Dec. 9, 2021.

CON-XXXXXXXX

Your gift holds great power – donate today!

Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine.