Polymorphous Light Eruption

Polymorphous light eruption (PLE), or polymorphic light eruption (PMLE), is a skin condition caused by sunlight. Two subtypes have been described: Symptoms include skin irritations, which may be itchy or painful, and are sometimes confused with hives. These irritations appear upon exposure to sunlight—sometimes only hours after exposure—and may last from 1 to 7 days. The cases of this condition are most common between the spring and autumn months in the northern hemisphere. Typically, 5-20% of fair skinned populations are affected, but it can occur in any skin type. 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....