Wysypka wielopostaciowa na światło
Epidemiologia

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) jest najczęstszą idiopatyczną fotodermatozą, charakteryzującą się świądzącą wysypką w miejscach eksponowanych na promieniowanie UV, pojawiającą się w ciągu kilku godzin do dni po ekspozycji i utrzymującą się przez kilka dni. Częstość występowania PMLE wykazuje wyraźne zróżnicowanie geograficzne, z najwyższą częstością w krajach skandynawskich (~22%), umiarkowaną w Europie Zachodniej i Środkowej (10-20%) oraz najniższą w strefach tropikalnych, takich jak Singapur i Chiny (0,65-1%). W Indiach częstość waha się od 0,56% do 13,5%, z wyższą zapadalnością na terenach wyżej położonych. PMLE jest chorobą sezonową, najczęściej manifestującą się w okresie wiosenno-letnim, szczególnie po pierwszej intensywnej ekspozycji na słońce po zimie. Średni wiek zachorowania to około 23 lata, z przewagą kobiet (2-3 razy częściej niż mężczyźni) oraz osób o jasnym fototypie skóry (I-III wg Fitzpatricka), choć choroba występuje także u osób o ciemniejszej karnacji, gdzie zmiany mają często charakter grudkowy lub liszajowaty.

Epidemiologia wysypki wielopostaciowej na światło

Wysypka wielopostaciowa na światło (Polymorphous light eruption, PMLE) jest najczęstszą idiopatyczną fotodermatozą i najbardziej powszechną chorobą skóry wywołaną ekspozycją na promieniowanie ultrafioletowe (UV). Charakteryzuje się występowaniem świądzącej wysypki w miejscach narażonych na działanie słońca w ciągu kilku godzin do kilku dni po ekspozycji na promieniowanie UV i utrzymuje się przez kilka dni przed ustąpieniem.12

Występowanie geograficzne

Częstość występowania PMLE wykazuje znaczne różnice geograficzne i jest odwrotnie proporcjonalna do szerokości geograficznej. Choroba występuje częściej w regionach o klimacie umiarkowanym, gdzie ekspozycja na słońce jest mniej regularna:12

  • Najwyższa częstość występowania odnotowywana jest w krajach skandynawskich (około 22%)1
  • W Wielkiej Brytanii i północnych Stanach Zjednoczonych wynosi 10-15%23
  • W Europie Zachodniej i Środkowej częstość występowania szacuje się na 10-20%12
  • W Australazji częstość wynosi około 5%1
  • W krajach bliżej równika, jak Singapur czy Chiny, częstość jest najniższa (około 0,65-1%)12

W Indiach, pomimo położenia w strefie tropikalnej, częstość występowania PMLE wynosi od 0,56% do 13,5% w różnych regionach kraju.12 Badanie przeprowadzone w regionie Malwa w Indiach wykazało częstość występowania na poziomie 5%.1

Warto zauważyć, że choroba występuje częściej na wyższych wysokościach nad poziomem morza niż na terenach położonych na poziomie morza.12

Zmienność sezonowa

PMLE jest chorobą sezonową, z największą liczbą przypadków występujących w okresach wiosennych i letnich w półkuli północnej.12 Najczęściej objawy pojawiają się po pierwszej intensywnej ekspozycji na słońce po okresie zimowym, co jest związane z nagłym wzrostem natężenia promieniowania UV.1

W badaniu z Indii zaobserwowano, że większość pacjentów zgłaszała się do lekarza w miesiącach od stycznia do marca (44%) oraz we wczesnym okresie letnim (33%), co może być związane z praktyką kąpieli słonecznych powszechną w Indiach w późnym okresie zimowym.1

Rozkład demograficzny

Wiek

PMLE najczęściej rozpoczyna się w młodym wieku:12

  • Większość przypadków (około 75%) zaczyna się u kobiet w wieku 20-40 lat1
  • Początek choroby przypada zwykle na pierwsze trzy dekady życia1
  • Średni wiek wystąpienia pierwszych objawów to około 23 lata1

Choroba może jednak rozpocząć się zarówno w dzieciństwie, jak i w późniejszym wieku. PMLE jest również najczęstszą fotodermatozą u dzieci w wieku szkolnym.1

Płeć

Istnieje wyraźna przewaga występowania PMLE u kobiet:12

  • Kobiety cierpią na PMLE 2-3 razy częściej niż mężczyźni1
  • W Niemczech stosunek kobiet do mężczyzn został określony nawet jako 9:11
  • W niektórych badaniach proporcja wynosi 4:1 na korzyść kobiet1

Warto jednak zauważyć, że te dane mogą być zawyżone, ponieważ kobiety częściej zgłaszają się po pomoc medyczną niż mężczyźni.1 Interesujące jest to, że w Kalifornii raportowano równy rozkład płci (1:1).1

Fototyp skóry

PMLE może występować we wszystkich typach skóry, jednak częstość występowania różni się w zależności od fototypu:12

  • Choroba jest częstsza u osób o jasnej skórze, szczególnie z fototypem I według klasyfikacji Fitzpatricka12
  • Występuje również u osób o ciemniejszej karnacji, ale prezentacja kliniczna może się różnić – częściej przyjmuje postać drobnych grudek i zmian o charakterze liszajowatym12
  • W badaniu indyjskim największa liczba pacjentów miała skórę typu IV (45%), następnie typu V (29%) i typu III (26%)1

Czynniki ryzyka i predyspozycje genetyczne

Do głównych czynników ryzyka rozwoju PMLE należą:12

  • Płeć żeńska
  • Wiek 20-40 lat
  • Jasny fototyp skóry (I-III według Fitzpatricka)
  • Wywiad rodzinny PMLE – predyspozycja genetyczna obecna w 15-46% przypadków1
  • Mieszkanie w klimacie umiarkowanym z nieregularną ekspozycją na słońce
  • Wykonywanie zawodów wymagających aktywności na zewnątrz – rolnicy, pracownicy fizyczni1

Pacjenci szczególnej troski

W niektórych populacjach obserwuje się specyficzne wzorce występowania PMLE:12

  • W Indiach wysoką częstość występowania obserwuje się wśród rolników i pracowników fizycznych (38%), a także wśród gospodyń domowych (18%), prawdopodobnie z powodu wykonywania czynności na zewnątrz1
  • Większość przypadków (56%) dotyczy pacjentów z niższej klasy średniej1
  • U kobiet w Europie Północnej, spędzających wakacje w regionie śródziemnomorskim, częstość występowania może sięgać 20-40%1

Relacja z innymi chorobami

Interesująca jest odwrotna zależność między występowaniem PMLE a nowotworami skóry. W badaniu przeprowadzonym w Irlandii wykazano, że częstość występowania PMLE u osób z nowotworami skóry wynosiła 7,5%, w porównaniu z 21,4% w grupie kontrolnej.12 Sugeruje to, że immunologiczna podstawa PMLE może zapewniać pewną ochronę przed nowotworami skóry, prawdopodobnie poprzez zwiększony nadzór immunologiczny i oporność na immunosupresję wywoływaną przez promieniowanie UV.1

Przebieg naturalny i rokowanie

PMLE ma tendencję do nawracania rocznie, a u niektórych pacjentów utrzymuje się przez cały rok, w zależności od szerokości geograficznej.1 Zauważono, że choroba często zmniejsza swoją ciężkość z upływem czasu:

  • 60% pacjentów obserwuje poprawę lub ustąpienie objawów w ciągu 15 lat1
  • 75% pacjentów doświadcza poprawy lub remisji po 30 latach1
  • Niższa częstość występowania PMLE obserwowana jest u osób starszych1

Skuteczna ochrona przeciwsłoneczna i fototerapia („hartowanie światłem”) mogą mieć bardzo pozytywny wpływ na przebieg choroby.1

Wnioski i znaczenie w nadzorze epidemiologicznym

Epidemiologia PMLE pokazuje, że jest to powszechna choroba, której częstość występowania waha się od 10% do 30% wśród osób systematycznie narażonych na działanie światła słonecznego.1 W regionach o wysokim poziomie promieniowania słonecznego, takich jak strefy tropikalne i subtropikalne, częstość PMLE może osiągać 50% i więcej.1

Ze względu na fakt, że wielu pacjentów nie szuka pomocy medycznej, rzeczywista częstość występowania PMLE może być niedoszacowana.1 Dlatego ważny jest nadzór epidemiologiczny tej choroby, szczególnie w kontekście zmian klimatycznych i zwiększonej świadomości dotyczącej ochrony przeciwsłonecznej.

Identyfikacja osób z grupy ryzyka oraz monitorowanie trendów występowania PMLE ma istotne znaczenie dla planowania działań profilaktycznych i edukacyjnych w zakresie odpowiedniej ochrony przed słońcem, co może również przyczynić się do zmniejszenia ryzyka rozwoju nowotworów skóry związanych z ekspozycją na promieniowanie UV.1

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  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Polymorphous light eruption – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/polymorphous-light-eruption/print
    Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is the most common idiopathic photodermatosis; it is sometimes called „sun poisoning” or „sun allergy.” PMLE usually presents as a pruritic rash in sun-exposed areas hours to days after ultraviolet (UV) light exposure and persists for several days before subsiding. […] PMLE occurs more frequently in temperate areas. Several studies have indicated that the prevalence of PMLE is directly related to latitude, ranging from approximately 1 percent in China to over 20 percent in some northern European countries. However, within Europe, a latitude gradient has not been shown to occur.
  • #1 Photodermatologic Disorders | Plastic Surgery Key
    https://plasticsurgerykey.com/photodermatologic-disorders/
    Polymorphous light eruption is consistently the most common photodermatosis, based upon relative frequency analyses from photodermatology centers worldwide; it is followed (in decreasing order of frequency) by photoaggravated dermatoses, drug-induced photosensitivity, chronic actinic dermatitis, and solar urticaria. […] The prevalence of PMLE in the general population is inversely related to latitude, being highest in Scandinavia (22%), high in the UK and northern US (10-15%), and low in Australia (5%) and equatorial Singapore (~1%). […] Women are affected slightly more often than men, with the second and third decades being the most common times of onset.
  • #1 Polymorphous Light Eruption: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1119686-overview
    PMLE affects about 10-20% of the population in the United States and Western Europe. […] Given that many patients do not seek medical attention, this figure is likely to be an underestimate. […] A systematic review of population-based studies in the English literature found that the prevalence of PMLE ranged from a low of 0.65% (in China) to a high or 21.4% (in Ireland). […] PMLE usually has its onset in the first three decades of life, though onset may also occur during childhood and late adulthood. […] PMLE has been reported to affect females two to three times more often than males; however, these figures may be skewed because females are more likely to seek medical attention than males. […] PMLE affects all racial skin types. […] PMLE has been reported to be significantly more common in light-skinned individuals than in dark-skinned individuals.
  • #1 Polymorphic Light Eruption – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430886/
    Polymorphic light eruption is the most common form of immunologically mediated photosensitivity dermatoses. […] The prevalence of polymorphic light eruption varies worldwide. Affected individuals may experience it every time they go outdoors, or only occasionally. It is more common in Northern Europe (15% in the UK) than in Australasia (5%). It affects all skin types but is more common in lighter skin especially Fitzpatrick skin phototype 1, than in darker skins. It most often (about 75% of cases) begins in females aged 20 to 40 years but may start in childhood or later in life. More people experience polymorphic light eruption at high altitude than at sea level.
  • #1
    https://journals.lww.com/idoj/fulltext/2021/12020/polymorphous_light_eruption__an_indian_scenario.1.aspx
    Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is the most common, idiopathic, acquired photodermatosis, characterized by abnormal, recurrent, and delayed reaction to sunlight. Polymorphous light eruption is common worldwide but the morphology, distribution, and pigmentary changes are unique in Indian skin which is discussed in this review. The prevalence of PMLE is around 10-20% in the general population. It commonly occurs in females between 20 and 30 years of age. It is the most common photodermatosis in school-going children. […] The prevalence of PMLE is around 10-20% in the general population with females between 20 and 30 years of age and school-going children affected more commonly. PMLE frequently occurs in temperate climates due to a greater proportion of UVA to UVB in these regions. Though the disease is said to be more common in temperate regions, the prevalence of PMLE in India is similar to that reported in the world. The proportion of cases varies between 2% and 13.5% across different areas in India. […] In Indian studies, a female preponderance was noted. The disease is seen in people who indulge in outdoor activities such as farmers and laborers. In certain studies, high incidence was noted in housewives probably because of household activities.
  • #1 A clinicoepidemiological and histo-Pathological study of polymorphic light eruptions in malwa region – IP Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol
    https://www.ijced.org/article-details/8424
    Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is the most common photodermatoses encountered in clinical practice. The prevalence of PMLE varies from 10 to 20% in various studies across the world. Its prevalence in India is 0.56%. Prevalence of PLE calculated was 5% in Malwa region. The majority of cases were found in the age group of 35-40 years (28%) followed by 30-35 years (19%). In our study, maximum patients were farmers and labourers (38%) by occupation, while 18% were housewives. Majority of cases belonged to the lower middle class i.e. 56% patients. In our study, 45% cases had skin type IV, 29% type V and type III (26%). Majority of patients reported to us in late winters during the months of late January to early March (44%) and 33% in early summers. Maximum prevalence during late winters can be attributed to sun-bathing which is quite frequently practised in India. Polymorphic light eruption is the most common photodermatoses in Indian scenario. Its prevalence in Malwa region is 5%. A slight female gender predominance (61%) and adult age of presentation (30-40 years) is a consistent finding in our study. Histopathological findings were specific but not diagnostic. Diagnosis is usually based on the clinical signs and symptoms, histopathology can be done in atypical cases. Recurrence is the rule if protective measures are not taken.
  • #1 Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) — DermNet
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/polymorphic-light-eruption
    Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) is a seasonal, acquired, idiopathic photodermatosis occurring in spring and early summer. […] Presents predominately between 20-40 years of age. […] Four times more common in women than men. […] Presents in temperate climates and is more common where sun exposure is uncommon. […] Prevalence has been shown to be inversely related to latitude (highest in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, and the northern United States; lowest in Australia). […] In northern Europe, it may affect 20-40% of women holidaying in the Mediterranean area, whereas in Australasian areas it is estimated to only affect between 15% of people. […] Reported to be more common at higher altitudes compared to sea level regions. […] Affects all races and all skin phototypes but higher prevalence in Fitzpatrick skin type 1.
  • #1 Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE): Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17888-polymorphous-light-eruption-pmle
    Polymorphous light eruption is the most common skin disease resulting from UV light exposure. It may affect up to 15% of people worldwide. […] PMLE often occurs in the spring when sunny weather returns. […] PMLE affects all ages, sexes, races and ethnicities. Its most common among: Women. People between the ages of 20 and 40. Those with a family history of PMLE. People who live where sun exposure is uncommon. […] PMLE is a benign (noncancerous) condition. While the rash doesnt increase your risk of skin cancer, exposure to UV light does. The sun-protective measures you take to prevent polymorphous light eruption also lower your risk of skin cancer.
  • #1 Polymorphous Light Eruption
    https://mobile.fpnotebook.com/Derm/Environ/PlymrphsLghtErptn.htm
    Most common Photodermatitis. Prevalence may be as high as 10-20% in adults (esp. in Fitzpatrick Skin Type 1-3) […] Gender: Female predominance […] Age onset 23 years.
  • #1 Polymorphous light eruption – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymorphous_light_eruption
    In the United States, whilst one-quarter of people being investigated for a photosensitivity disorder were diagnosed with PLE, the prevalence in the general population is 10 to 15% and may even be as high as 40% as suggested in one study of more than 2000 people. […] PLE is more common in young adults and has a female preponderance with a ratio of 2:1 female-to-male. In Germany the female to male ratio has been cited as 9:1. […] Those experiencing sun exposure all year round seldom acquire PLE eruption. Hence, it is less common near the equator. […] The cases of this condition are most common between the spring and autumn months in the northern hemisphere and at higher altitudes.
  • #1 Polymorphic light eruption – Altmeyers Encyclopedia – Department Dermatology
    https://www.altmeyers.org/en/dermatology/polymorphic-light-eruption-120139
    Prevalence data vary between 10-20% of the Central European population, depending on the source (similar prevalence figures are given for the USA and Scandinavia). […] Women are affected about 10 times more frequently than men (Note: in California a gender distribution of 1:1 is reported!). […] Overall chronic recurrent course from season to season. Effective sun protection and photo(chemo)therapy („light-hardening”) can have a very positive influence on the disease.
  • #1 Polymorphic Light Eruption (PMLE): Causes and Treatment
    https://patient.info/doctor/polymorphic-light-eruption-pro
    It is a fairly common condition, perhaps affecting 15% of people in the UK. […] It is common in those with fair skin and tends to affect women two to three times more often than men. […] PMLE occurs commonly in people with pigmented skin, although its presentation may differ, being more likely to be the pinpoint papular and lichenoid variants of the rash. […] Age of onset is usually 20-40 years. […] Incidence increases with distance from the equator.
  • #1 Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) — DermNet
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/polymorphic-light-eruption
    There is a genetic susceptibility in 15-46% of cases where a positive family history is reported. […] PMLE is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction in the skin to unknown endogenous cutaneous photo-induced antigens. […] Because PMLE is more prevalent in women than men, it is hypothesized that there is a hormonal component to its pathogenesis. […] A clinical diagnosis of polymorphic light eruption can be made based on a history of a pruritic eruption occurring following sun exposure and previous episodes in spring or summer. […] 60% of patients yielding a positive eruption are clinically and histopathologically consistent with PMLE. […] PMLE may be lifelong although 60% of people see improvement or resolution over 15 years and 75% of people in 30 years.
  • #1 Polymorphic light eruption and skin cancer prevalence: is one protective against the other?
    https://www.lenus.ie/hse/handle/10147/136768
    Polymorphic light eruption and skin cancer prevalence: is one protective against the other? […] The prevalence of PLE in people with SC was 7.5%, compared with 21.4% for controls (P0.001). […] Our results show (i) strong evidence of reduced PLE in patients with SC, and (ii) a trend for reduced SC in patients with PLE. The immunological basis of PLE may therefore confer protection against SC.
  • #1 Polymorphic light eruption and skin cancer prevalence: is one protective against the other?
    https://www.lenus.ie/handle/10147/136768
    Polymorphic light eruption and skin cancer prevalence: is one protective against the other? […] Ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UVR) interacts with chromophores in cutaneous cells with consequent antigenicity. The normal response to this is a downregulation of immune responsiveness. Failure of the immune system to downregulate and to ignore transient photoantigens in human skin results in polymorphic light eruption (PLE), the commonest of the photodermatoses. UVR initiates and promotes skin cancer (SC): UV-induced immunosuppression permits the expansion of UV-mutated clones of cells which ultimately lead to SC. […] Because there is increased immune surveillance and resistance to immune suppression following UVR exposure in PLE one might expect a protective effect of PLE against SC and, conversely, a reduced risk of PLE among patients with SC.
  • #1 Polymorphic Light Eruption | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/34016
    The prevalence of polymorphic light eruption varies worldwide. Affected individuals may experience it every time they go outdoors, or only occasionally. It is more common in Northern Europe (15% in the UK) than in Australasia (5%). It affects all skin types but is more common in lighter skin especially Fitzpatrick skin phototype 1, than in darker skins. It most often (about 75% of cases) begins in females aged 20 to 40 years but may start in childhood or later in life. More people experience polymorphic light eruption at high altitude than at sea level. […] Polymorphic light eruption tends to recur annually and is some patients persists throughout the year, depending on latitude. It often reduces in severity over time and eventually resolves with a lower prevalence in older people.
  • #1 Polymorphic Light Eruption – VALINTERMED treatment in Valencia
    https://valintermed.com/en/medlibrary/polymorphic-light-emission/
    Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is a dermatological disorder characterized by the development of skin rashes in response to sunlight. PLE is most often observed in women aged 20 to 50 years, although it can also occur in men, as well as in people of different ages and ethnicities. This disease is characterized by the possibility of relapses, which often occur in the spring and summer, when the level of solar activity increases. […] The epidemiology of polymorphic light eruption emphasizes that this disease is quite common. According to various data, the incidence of PLI varies from 10% to 30% among people systematically exposed to sunlight. A special risk group is made up of people with a predisposition to solar dermatoses, in particular, those with fair skin and a history of photosensitivity. According to studies, among residents of areas with high levels of solar radiation, such as tropical and subtropical zones, the frequency of PLI can reach 50% and more. It is important to note that the development of the disease can be associated not only with solar radiation, but also with the effects of certain drugs and chemicals, which makes the epidemiological situation diverse.
  • #2 Polymorphic Light Eruption – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430886/
    Polymorphic light eruption is the most common form of immunologically mediated photosensitivity dermatoses. […] The prevalence of polymorphic light eruption varies worldwide. Affected individuals may experience it every time they go outdoors, or only occasionally. It is more common in Northern Europe (15% in the UK) than in Australasia (5%). It affects all skin types but is more common in lighter skin especially Fitzpatrick skin phototype 1, than in darker skins. It most often (about 75% of cases) begins in females aged 20 to 40 years but may start in childhood or later in life. More people experience polymorphic light eruption at high altitude than at sea level.
  • #2 Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) — DermNet
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/polymorphic-light-eruption
    Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) is a seasonal, acquired, idiopathic photodermatosis occurring in spring and early summer. […] Presents predominately between 20-40 years of age. […] Four times more common in women than men. […] Presents in temperate climates and is more common where sun exposure is uncommon. […] Prevalence has been shown to be inversely related to latitude (highest in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, and the northern United States; lowest in Australia). […] In northern Europe, it may affect 20-40% of women holidaying in the Mediterranean area, whereas in Australasian areas it is estimated to only affect between 15% of people. […] Reported to be more common at higher altitudes compared to sea level regions. […] Affects all races and all skin phototypes but higher prevalence in Fitzpatrick skin type 1.
  • #2 Polymorphic light eruption – Altmeyers Encyclopedia – Department Dermatology
    https://www.altmeyers.org/en/dermatology/polymorphic-light-eruption-120139
    Prevalence data vary between 10-20% of the Central European population, depending on the source (similar prevalence figures are given for the USA and Scandinavia). […] Women are affected about 10 times more frequently than men (Note: in California a gender distribution of 1:1 is reported!). […] Overall chronic recurrent course from season to season. Effective sun protection and photo(chemo)therapy („light-hardening”) can have a very positive influence on the disease.
  • #2 Photodermatologic Disorders | Plastic Surgery Key
    https://plasticsurgerykey.com/photodermatologic-disorders/
    Polymorphous light eruption is consistently the most common photodermatosis, based upon relative frequency analyses from photodermatology centers worldwide; it is followed (in decreasing order of frequency) by photoaggravated dermatoses, drug-induced photosensitivity, chronic actinic dermatitis, and solar urticaria. […] The prevalence of PMLE in the general population is inversely related to latitude, being highest in Scandinavia (22%), high in the UK and northern US (10-15%), and low in Australia (5%) and equatorial Singapore (~1%). […] Women are affected slightly more often than men, with the second and third decades being the most common times of onset.
  • #2 A clinicoepidemiological study of polymorphic light eruption – Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
    https://ijdvl.com/a-clinicoepidemiological-study-of-polymorphic-light-eruption/
    The prevalence of polymorphic light eruption (PLE) varies between 10-20% in different countries but no such data is available from India, where exposure to sunlight is high. […] The prevalence of PLE was thus calculated to be 0.56%, which included 138 females and 82 males. […] The majority of the cases were in the age group of 21-30 years consistent with the existing idea that PLE is a disease of the first three decades of life. […] The month of onset of rash varied from January to December. The months of presentation were March and September for 46 and 33 cases, respectively. […] The prevalence of PLE is said to be higher in regions away from the equator because of the variation in the proportion of ultraviolet A and B radiations at different latitudes. […] Sunlight was the precipitating factor in 46.82% of the cases, the heat of an open fire in 2.73%, both of these in 19.09% although the precipitating factor was not known in 31.36% of the cases. […] The rash was recurrent in 99 cases but an increase in the severity of lesions was noted by 23 cases.
  • #2 Polymorphous light eruption – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymorphous_light_eruption
    In the United States, whilst one-quarter of people being investigated for a photosensitivity disorder were diagnosed with PLE, the prevalence in the general population is 10 to 15% and may even be as high as 40% as suggested in one study of more than 2000 people. […] PLE is more common in young adults and has a female preponderance with a ratio of 2:1 female-to-male. In Germany the female to male ratio has been cited as 9:1. […] Those experiencing sun exposure all year round seldom acquire PLE eruption. Hence, it is less common near the equator. […] The cases of this condition are most common between the spring and autumn months in the northern hemisphere and at higher altitudes.
  • #2 Polymorphous light eruption – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US
    https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/626
    Polymorphous light eruption typically onsets during adolescence and young adulthood. […] Mainly affects women. […] Typically, manifests after exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation (UVR); clinical symptoms last several days and remission occurs without complication. […] Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is a benign skin disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people after exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). […] Family history of PLE is a risk factor. […] Female sex is a risk factor. […] Burfield L, Rutter KJ, Thompson B, et al. Systematic review of the prevalence and incidence of the photodermatoses with meta-analysis of the prevalence of polymorphic light eruption.
  • #2 Polymorphic Light Eruption (PMLE): Causes and Treatment
    https://patient.info/doctor/polymorphic-light-eruption-pro
    It is a fairly common condition, perhaps affecting 15% of people in the UK. […] It is common in those with fair skin and tends to affect women two to three times more often than men. […] PMLE occurs commonly in people with pigmented skin, although its presentation may differ, being more likely to be the pinpoint papular and lichenoid variants of the rash. […] Age of onset is usually 20-40 years. […] Incidence increases with distance from the equator.
  • #2 Polymorphous Light Eruption: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1119686-overview
    PMLE affects about 10-20% of the population in the United States and Western Europe. […] Given that many patients do not seek medical attention, this figure is likely to be an underestimate. […] A systematic review of population-based studies in the English literature found that the prevalence of PMLE ranged from a low of 0.65% (in China) to a high or 21.4% (in Ireland). […] PMLE usually has its onset in the first three decades of life, though onset may also occur during childhood and late adulthood. […] PMLE has been reported to affect females two to three times more often than males; however, these figures may be skewed because females are more likely to seek medical attention than males. […] PMLE affects all racial skin types. […] PMLE has been reported to be significantly more common in light-skinned individuals than in dark-skinned individuals.
  • #2 Polymorphous Light Eruption
    http://www.thedoctorsdoctor.com/diseases/pmle.htm
    BACKGROUND: Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is the most common chronic idiopathic photodermatosis usually manifesting as a papular eruption (3-6 mm), with several other morphological variants described. […] Populations living in temperate climates appear to be at greater risk affecting 10-20% of patients. […] Recognition of this pinpoint papular variant of PMLE in dark-skinned individuals is important in the evaluation and management of these patients. […] Optimal management of patients with polymorphous light eruption (PLE), the most frequent photodermatosis, requires knowledge of the individual clinical course of the disease and pathogenic factors. […] PLE can be classified into four severity groups (mild, moderate-to-severe, severe and therapy-resistant), which are useful for determining appropriate prophylactic measurements. […] Basic preventative management of PLE consists of adequate sun protection comprising avoidance of sun exposure, the use of textile sun protection and the application of broadband sunscreens with high UVA protection potential.
  • #2 A clinicoepidemiological and histo-Pathological study of polymorphic light eruptions in malwa region – IP Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol
    https://www.ijced.org/article-details/8424
    Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is the most common photodermatoses encountered in clinical practice. The prevalence of PMLE varies from 10 to 20% in various studies across the world. Its prevalence in India is 0.56%. Prevalence of PLE calculated was 5% in Malwa region. The majority of cases were found in the age group of 35-40 years (28%) followed by 30-35 years (19%). In our study, maximum patients were farmers and labourers (38%) by occupation, while 18% were housewives. Majority of cases belonged to the lower middle class i.e. 56% patients. In our study, 45% cases had skin type IV, 29% type V and type III (26%). Majority of patients reported to us in late winters during the months of late January to early March (44%) and 33% in early summers. Maximum prevalence during late winters can be attributed to sun-bathing which is quite frequently practised in India. Polymorphic light eruption is the most common photodermatoses in Indian scenario. Its prevalence in Malwa region is 5%. A slight female gender predominance (61%) and adult age of presentation (30-40 years) is a consistent finding in our study. Histopathological findings were specific but not diagnostic. Diagnosis is usually based on the clinical signs and symptoms, histopathology can be done in atypical cases. Recurrence is the rule if protective measures are not taken.
  • #2 Polymorphic light eruption and skin cancer prevalence: is one protective against the other?
    https://www.lenus.ie/handle/10147/136768
    We therefore constructed a prospective case-control study to see if this were the case. Two groups were studied: a group comprising 214 patients with SC and 210 gender- and aged-matched controls, and a group comprising 100 patients with PLE and 155 gender- and aged-matched controls. Each participant answered a questionnaire aimed at establishing personal and family history of SC and photodermatoses. Skin type and exposure to UVR were also documented. […] The prevalence of PLE in people with SC was 7.5%, compared with 21.4% for controls (P0.001). The prevalence of SC in patients with PLE was 4% compared with 7.1% for controls. […] Our results show (i) strong evidence of reduced PLE in patients with SC, and (ii) a trend for reduced SC in patients with PLE. The immunological basis of PLE may therefore confer protection against SC.
  • #3 Polymorphic Light Eruption (PMLE): Causes and Treatment
    https://patient.info/doctor/polymorphic-light-eruption-pro
    It is a fairly common condition, perhaps affecting 15% of people in the UK. […] It is common in those with fair skin and tends to affect women two to three times more often than men. […] PMLE occurs commonly in people with pigmented skin, although its presentation may differ, being more likely to be the pinpoint papular and lichenoid variants of the rash. […] Age of onset is usually 20-40 years. […] Incidence increases with distance from the equator.