Peer Reviewed
Dermatology clinic

Polymorphic light eruption

Bruce Tate
Abstract
Polymorphic light eruption is a common rash that is triggered by sun exposure. It is easily managed with sun protection and topical or oral corticosteroids.
Key Points
    Case presentation

    A 17-year-old girl presented after returning from a 10-day holiday in north Queensland. Unfortunately, the holiday had been disrupted when she developed a very itchy rash that she initially thought was from insect bites. It had appeared mild a few days after she arrived, but had then worsened substantially.

    The patient described bite-sized itchy red papules and ‘small lumps’ that seemed to turn into hives on her face, lips, neck, upper trunk and arms. She had noticed a few mosquitoes and lots of sandflies in north Queensland. She had spent a lot of time in the sun during her holiday, although she did apply sunscreen regularly and wore a hat.

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