Polymorphic photodermatosis

Classification according to ICD-10
L56.4	Polymorphic photodermatosis
ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019)

The polymorphic light eruption , falsely also called sun allergy or allergy to light is a photodermatosis . Photodermatoses are dermatoses that arise when exposed to light.

The cause and development of polymorphic photodermatosis are unknown.

Symptoms

The disease usually occurs in spring or early summer after the first exposure to the sun. With renewed exposure to the sun, the relapses usually become weaker over the course of summer.

The skin changes occur mainly on the outside of the upper arms, the neckline and also on the face. The skin manifestations can have a wide variety of forms (e.g. reddening, blisters, nodules, oozing skin defects, skin thickening). But they are mostly limited to one of these forms in one person. There is always severe itching.

diagnosis

A previously affected area of the skin is irradiated several times with UVA light. This may lead to the skin changes that are typical for the sick person. If, on the other hand, no skin changes can be found, a polymorphic photodermatosis can be ruled out.

prevention

Sun protection is the best prevention of polymorphic light dermatosis

Polymorphic light dermatosis is mainly triggered by UV-A radiation . Since window glass or thin clothing largely shields UV-B radiation, but not UV-A radiation, polymorphic photodermatosis can also occur when exposed to the sun behind glass panes or under clothing.

Sun avoidance and sun protection are preventively effective. Avoiding solariums, wearing tightly woven clothing, sunscreens against UV-B and UV-A radiation with a high sun protection factor (at least LF 30), and UV-impermeable films on the windows are helpful.

Getting used to light through phototherapy can be helpful.

therapy

If necessary, drugs containing cortisone are used to apply to the changed areas of the skin. Antihistamines can help relieve itching.

Individual evidence

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Author: P. Lehmann, T. Schwarz, Deutsches Ärzteblatt, Photodermatoses: Diagnostics and Therapy. Retrieved September 12, 2013.
^ Pschyrembel Clinical Dictionary, 257th edition, publisher: Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, New York 1994, ISBN 3-11-012692-3 .
↑ ^a ^b Phototoxic reactions of the skin caused by drugs, accessed on November 16, 2017, article by Silvia Schauder, Dtsch Arztebl 2005; 102: A 2314-2319 [Issue 34-35]
↑ Silvia Schauer: When drugs and light are incompatible. In: pharmische-zeitung.de. Retrieved September 8, 2013 .
↑ Gerd Kindl: Before the skin burns. In: pharmische-zeitung.de . Retrieved October 1, 2013.

[Ärzteblatt_1-1] ↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Author: P. Lehmann, T. Schwarz, Deutsches Ärzteblatt, Photodermatoses: Diagnostics and Therapy. Retrieved September 12, 2013.

[Pschyrembel_1-2] Pschyrembel Clinical Dictionary, 257th edition, publisher: Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, New York 1994, ISBN 3-11-012692-3 .

[AERZ_1-3] Phototoxic reactions of the skin caused by drugs, accessed on November 16, 2017, article by Silvia Schauder, Dtsch Arztebl 2005; 102: A 2314-2319 [Issue 34-35]

[Pharmazeutische_Zeitung_1-4] Silvia Schauer: When drugs and light are incompatible. In: pharmische-zeitung.de. Retrieved September 8, 2013 .

[5] Gerd Kindl: Before the skin burns. In: pharmische-zeitung.de . Retrieved October 1, 2013.