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Polymorphic Light Eruption

Checked: 23-01-2022 by Rob Adams Next Review: 23-01-2023

Overview

Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is the most common of the photodermatoses, mainly occuring in young adult women in temperate climates during spring and summer. Juvenile spring eruption is a variant of PLE, affecting only the ears. 

Mild/ moderate cases can usually be managed in primary care and there is advice about management on the PCDS website:

Polymorphic Light Eruption and Juvenile Spring Eruption

Who to Refer

If a patient’s condition is not responding to treatment in primary care, or there are doubts about diagnosis, then you may like to consider requesting dermatology advice and guidance (attaching good quality photos if possible).

The previous policy restricting the use of desensitising light therapy in the management of PLE has been removed. 

Referral

In rare cases, a patient who has severe symptoms not responding to treatment in primary care may be suitable for treatment in secondary care.

Advice and guidance should be sought initially to assess suitability for these treatments which may include light therapy which is only available at UHBW (not NBT). Patients can then be referred via eRS to UHBW if this is recommended by a dermatologist.



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